"Are you guys from the Navy?" Chris Barber asked the rescue crew. He and his family were trapped in the roof cavity of their home during Cyclone Gabrielle, water surging through the house. The three wetsuit-wearing young men replied humbly.
"Nah, we're just three Māori boys," said Mikey Kihi, Rikki Kihi and Morehu Maxwell.
Massey University has named the group's response as Quote of the Year 2023, after the line received 25.5% of the 4139 votes cast.
The Kihis and Maxwell "launched an inflatable boat and braved raging waters to help people stranded on the tops of houses, vehicles and trees" in Esk Valley during the severe weather event, a statement announcing their win said.
With furniture surging into the home's ceiling and logs smashing the house, the three men took Barber and his family to safety — before going back in, returning to flooded areas to save more stranded people.
Along with other rescuers, the three forestry workers were commended at Napier City Council's Cyclone Gabrielle Recognition Awards.
The council said they rescued more than 50 people and a number of dogs.
"The young men's words are raw and unscripted," Massey speech writing specialist Heather Kavan said.
"They were shouted over the boat engine and raging waters as people clung to trees and rooftops and swam for their lives.
"There are many similar stories of heroism in Esk Valley, and the same humility runs through them."
The contenders
Close behind this year's winner was a strong second place: "Up the wahs!"
The rallying cry surged in popularity as the Warriors had a storming season.
It got 22% of the votes and Massey called it a "cultural sensation".
In third place was Nicola Willis' x-rated slip in Parliament while grilling Grant Robertson on finance: "How big is his hole?"
The top 10 in order
- "Nah, we're just three Māori boys" – Mikey Kihi, Rikki Kihi, and Morehu Maxwell.
- "Up the wahs!" – Warriors fans and "most of New Zealand".
- "How big is his hole?" – National's Nicola Willis in Parliament questioning Labour's Grant Robertson.
- "Oh, have you got ID?" – Wairarapa bar manager Debbie Sinclair to pop superstar Ed Sheeran.
- "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 in her farewell speech to Parliament.
- "The issue is rain. We really need that to stop" – Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown as flooding hit the city.
- "There is nobody who fails to be interesting" – RNZ broadcaster Kim Hill.
- "I don't listen to rumours. I just start them" – Taika Waititi.
- "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 on John Oliver.
- "I encourage all of you to go out there, have more babies if you wish, that would be helpful" – Christopher Luxon.
SHARE ME