Allbirds has launched a limited-edition design with New Zealand Forest & Bird, celebrating the country’s chosen Bird of the Year – The Hoiho. 

According to the company, a portion of the proceeds from the Limited Edition Hoiho Tree Runners will go towards Forest & Bird’s conservation efforts. The item is only available in New Zealand.            

“As a brand that was dreamed up in New Zealand and focuses on protecting our natural world, we’re happy to be able to support the important work Forest & Bird is doing for indigenous Wildlife,” said Tim Brown, co-founder of Allbirds. 

Hoiho has become the first seabird to win the title of Forest & Bird’s Bird of the Year competition. The penguin was estimated to have a population of around 1700 and face local extinction in the next 20 to 40 years. 

“One of the reasons New Zealanders love Bird of the Year so much is because of the passion, quirky originality, and light-hearted trash-talking that goes into promoting our native birds. Everyone involved has a lot of fun,” said Megan Hubscher, spokesperson for Forest & Bird.

The Allbirds Bird of the Year’ shoes are available online at its website and at its Auckland store located in Britomart, downtown.