Massey University has unveiled its 10 finalists for New Zealand’s Quote of the Year — covering the catchphrases, quotes and gaffes that defined the country in 2023.
The 10 finalists were selected from over 125 nominations and are judged on “brevity, impact and emotional power”.
They include Aotearoa’s rallying cry during the Warrior's historic run in the NRL: “Up the Wahs”, as well as Nicola Willis’ unfortunate phrasing of a question to the then finance minister Grant Robertson: “How big is his hole?”
"That is not in the public interest, I can assure you," Grant Robertson responded to her unfortunately worded question. (Source: 1News)
“That’s not in the public interest, I can assure you” Robertson responded.
“The best quotes tell a story in a single sentence and take us back to the emotions of that time,” speech writing specialist Dr Heather Kavan said.
The quotes come from celebrities, politicians, broadcasters and “just three Māori boys” helping during Cyclone Gabrielle.
Last year's winner was David Seymour, who said: “I would have thought that Grant Robertson would be a much bigger threat to lamingtons than lamingtons would be a threat to Grant Robertson".
One previous winner was the famous Shortland Street line: "Please tell me that is not your penis".
Sporting chants and eyebrow-raising one-liners are among the finalists. (Source: 1News)
Here's the full list of 2023's finalists:
- “I don't listen to rumours. I just start them." Taika Waititi when asked to identify the wildest rumour he ever heard about himself.
- "I encourage all of you to go out there, have more babies if you wish, that would be helpful." Christopher Luxon on how New Zealand’s economic agenda needs people.
- “A B-grade American celebrity coming out and essentially hijacking Bird of the Century. I don’t think he even likes birds.” Save the Kiwi’s Erin Reilly reacting to John Oliver’s campaign for the puteketeke.
- “Nah, we’re just three Māori boys.” Mikey Kihi, Rikki Kihi, and Morehu Maxwell, when asked if they were from the navy while rescuing trapped citizens during Cyclone Gabrielle.
- "How big is his hole?" Nicola Willis in parliament questioning Grant Robertson about a fiscal gap.
- “You can be a mother, or not, an ex-Mormon, or not, a nerd, a crier, a hugger – you can be all of these things, and not only can you be here – you can lead.” Jacinda Ardern’s emotional farewell speech to Parliament.
- “There is nobody who fails to be interesting.” Broadcaster Kim Hill reflecting on her years of interviewing.
- “Up the Wahs!” New Zealand Warriors fans and most of New Zealand cheering on the rugby league team.
- “The issue is rain. We really need that to stop.” Mayor Wayne Brown as Auckland prepared to enter a state of emergency.
- “'Oh, have you got ID?" Wairarapa bar manager Debbie Sinclair to Ed Sheeran when he made a surprise visit, and she thought it was a government sting operation.
Kiwis have until Sunday to vote for their pick for Quote of the Year — with the results being announced before Christmas.
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