Is the kererū "the best bird" or a "pigeon in a tank top"? With just 24 hours to go before the winner of Aotearoa's Bird of the Century contest is announced, TAHI and RNZ presenter Evie Orpe has become embroiled in an ornithological stoush with US talkshow host John Oliver.
Oliver has run a global and sustained campaign in favour of the wild-feathered pūteteketeke, which has seen him criticised by a number of New Zealand bird nerds, including Vote Kiwi campaigner Erin Reilly and TAHI presenter Orpe.
OIiver, though, has no time for other birds in the line-up.
His campaign has included putting up ads in New Zealand, Paris, Mumbai, Tokyo and London, as well as flying a banner over Ipanema beach in Brazil.
TAHI presenter Evie Orpe. Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
On his latest show Oliver slammed the kiwi, describing it as "Donkey Kong's hairy testicle" and a "rat carrying a toothpick".
He also took umbrage with Orpe claiming that the kereru was in fact, the best a bird can get.
Orpe had previously invited Oliver to join the podcast to debate his choice "if you want to put your money where your mouth is about your bird".
"I don't even know how to argue with someone who is that wrong," Oliver said. "This [the kererū] is the best bird? Please, it's a f****** pigeon in a tank top. Debate over!"
Voting for the Bird of the Century closed on Sunday. Results will be announced tomorrow, but Oliver reckons he already knows who has flown to the top spot.
"We're going to win, and we're going to win by a lot."
A shot from US comedian John Oliver's segment on New Zealand's Bird of the Year on 5 November 2023. Photo: Screengrab