Wellington: Despite Australian attempts to interfere with its election, a hefty pigeon with a reputation for drunkenness has been voted New Zealand's bird of the year.

The kereru, a colourful wood pigeon, has been crowned the winner of the annual public competition that this year saw the likes of Stephen Fry weighing in and intense campaigning by bird lovers across social media, including on Tinder.

The kereru, a colourful wood pigeon, has been crowned the winner of the annual public competition. Credit:Forest & Bird

The endemic birds are known to fall out of their trees due to their excessive fondness of fermented fruit and were backed by a campaign focusing on their proclivities and portliness.

"May this majestic bird, the labrador of the sky, consume many a berry on this special day," co-campaign manager and Green MP Chloe Swarbrick said.