https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/501856/us-comedian-john-oliver-ruffles-feathers-with-call-to-stack-the-bird-of-the-century-ballots
The US talk show host's move almost crashed the Forest & Bird site - but they were expecting it.
The best bit, imho: (emphasis mine)
"We are going all out for this bird. I don't just want the pūteketeke to win, I want it to win in the biggest landslide in the history of this magnificent competition. After all, this is what democracy is all about - America interfering in foreign elections."
Also, he's not a dick for doing this:
The vote-rigging was not unexpected, as the team behind Oliver's show had been in touch earlier this year.
"They were keen to be involved and we said, 'Go for it!'"
I do genuinely love that bit. But to me the best bit is this isn't just random inteferance for the lulz. He's done his research - learned about the history of the competition and actually looked into the birds themselves.
He has selected a candidate and then built a genuine and compelling case for voting for that candidate. I'll admit, I didn't look closely at the crested grebe when I read the site. That's because I approaching the vote wrong: I was looking for the familiar rather than the point of the competition, learning more about the birds on the list and the importance of conservation.
Some people are gonna get annoyed by this but I reckon more controversy means more attention for NZ wildlife
John is just amazing. Love his show and witty humour. I voted for the australasian crested grebe and some other endangered birds last night.