The yellow-eyed penguin was sitting in second place at present but Wildlife Hospital trust manager Jordana White said there was still time to get it into first position.
Much had changed for hoiho on the mainland since it won bird of the year in 2019 and there was a lot of work to be done.
"Unfortunately, things have really declined since then and we really want to draw people’s attention to that."
Winning bird of the year would increase awareness for the penguin, which could lead to action to save the species.
"We have an opportunity, we have systems and interventions in place that are helping and if we can all rally together around the species we can hopefully save them from extinction."
The species had been plagued with the spread of two diseases, respiratory distress syndrome and diphtheritic stomatitis.
Without intervention from the Wildlife Hospital, the species population decline would be a lot worse.
"We are making a difference but we need a lot more interest and resources to do more."
Miss White said it made sense for Dunedin to rally behind hoiho because it was a mascot for the city.
A Tuhura Otago Museum hoiho campaign spokesperson said support for the yellow-eyed penguin came from far and wide.
"This incredible support not only benefits the campaign and the hoiho but also shines a spotlight on the dedicated work Dunedin is doing as the wildlife capital of New Zealand."
