Quips& Quotes

“I wish I could love, but I’m from New Zealand where it’s considered a mental illness.” – Taika Waititi

“I’d hate to choreograph an opening ceremony.

All that work, all the painstaking planning, and then you’re upstaged by an unintentional brown eye.”

– broadcaster Scotty Stevenson

“I carbload every night in case I want to run a marathon the next day. I never do, but it’s good to have options.” – US comedy writer Karen Chee

“I thought silver is not too bad a colour. But I hung in there, put a bit of pressure on and see where it took me. I’m really proud of my patience and stubbornness.” – gold-medal bowler Jo Edwards

“Here’s a list of reasons why you should love a Muslim: Muslims invented coffee. There’s more, but let’s be honest, coffee is reason enough.” – human rights activist Qasim Rashid

“After seeing how Ivanka is treated in the press, I’m so grateful I decided against hiring my daughter then asking her to constantly lie for me.” – US comedian Conan O’Brien

“Fairy tales are more than true – not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us dragons can be beaten.” – Neil Gaiman

“There’s nothing poisonous here except a few members of New Zealand First and Jacinda Ardern has them fairly under control.” – UK writer Damian Barr on visiting New Zealand