Why Russia was so interested in the Bird of the Year competition

This year's Bird of the Year competition was rocked by scandal - whispers of interference when a surprising amount of votes came from Russia.

But Forest and Bird is denying any collusion, saying the reason the Russians were so interested in the vote is because New Zealand shares one of its birds with the country.

Spokesperson Megan Hubscher spoke to The AM Show.
Watch the video.

Newshub.