New Zealand bird of the year: adult toy store endorses 'polyamorous' hihi

Small bird with unusually large genitals receives a boost as competition is also rocked by vote-rigging row

The competition to elect New Zealand's bird of the year has intensified with a vote-rigging scandal and an adult toy store endorsing a small, polyamorous bird with unusually large genitals.

The annual competition, which began 15 years ago to draw attention to native birds, many of which are endangered, has grown into a national obsession. Different types of birds have their own campaign managers and the competition is so fierce that this year has seen record early voting - with 40,000 ballots cast so far and five days still remaining