Ranking what native New Zealand birds I could beat in a fight if I were also a bird?

Posted 10:05pm Sunday 4th May 2025 by Jordan Irvine

Evolution has not been kind to the native birds of Aotearoa. Some are small, some flightless, and all pretty vulnerable to introduced pests. To put it lightly, they don’t stand a chance against predators. You know that, I know that. My question is, do they stand a chance against me, Read more...

Editorial: Pukunui for Bird of the Year

Posted 4:21pm Saturday 7th September 2024 by Nina Brown

Critic Te Ārohi is officially backing the Pukunui (Southern NZ dotterel) for Bird of the Year, an annual Forest & Bird election that pits 75 birds against each other in a battle for awareness and conservation resources. Before you ask: no, while Salient Mag’s Editor has gotten a Read more...

Takeaways: Week 21

Posted 3:56pm Saturday 7th September 2024 by Critic

SOMETHING TO WATCH Nicolas Cage’s Filmography One Critic staff member has taken it upon themselves to watch every single Nic Cage film ever – down to a ten second appearance as an extra. The challenge of being locked in ‘The Cage’ involves over 130 films with his name Read more...

BOTY: The Bird of the Year Competition is back to ruffle some feathers

Posted 2:44pm Sunday 2nd October 2022 by Ruby Werry

As Kiwis, we’ll vote in many elections over our lifetimes. Local, general, special, OUSA – the list goes on. But there is no democratic decision more important in Aotearoa than Te Manu Rongonui o Te Tau - The Bird of The Year. Voting for the 2022 election starts soon, so let’s have Read more...