WHO SAID IT BEST?

The 2018 New Zealand Quote of the Year finalists

I do find it slightly offensive that everyone thinks that every NZer starred in either Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit. PM Jacinda Ardern to Stephen Colbert.

It’s so refreshing to see a straight white man (not succeed in comedy right now. Comedian Rose Matafeo on British comic Naz Osmanoglu.

Winston Peters spends a huge amount of time on me, on Paula Ben- Benefit- Bennett. National leader Simon Bridges’ slip of the tongue about his deputy.

I used to say, ‘Mate, I don’t really mind who turns up, just wear a name badge so I know who it is’. Former PM John Key about Australia’s Prime Minister.

A little bit of a snafu. History teacher Graeme Ball describing the exam where Year 13 students were stumped by the word “trivial”.

It’s racist as f***. I think New Zealand is the best place on the planet, but it’s a racist place. Filmmaker Taika Waititi.

We’re quite a fiddly-looking shaped country — a bit like a half-eaten lamb chop. Actor Rhys Darby on why NZ is left off world maps.

Wonky Donkey has had a good run for a donkey with three legs. Author Craig Smith after sales of his children’s book skyrocketed.

I don’t know exactly what she said, but I know if you play it backwards it says ‘Help me!’. Comedian Melanie Bracewell on Melania

His ideas don’t align with actual rational thinking or any evidence or any intelligence. Actor Karen O’Leary on TV comedy Wellington Paranormal.

People have had a lot to say over the course of this year, but who hit the mark and said it better than the rest?

Polling has now opened for Massey University’s annual Quote of the Year competition — and there are plenty of cracking one-liners to choose from.

The finalists have been whittled down to just 10 quotes from recognisable New Zealanders, one being Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s gibe to Late Show host Stephen Colbert.

“I do find it slightly offensive that everyone thinks that every New Zealander starred in either

Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit,” she told the host during her North American visit.

National leader Simon Bridges also made the list with his slip of the tongue when talking about his deputy leader.

“Winston Peters spends a huge amount of time on me, on Paula Ben- Benefit- Bennett.”

Rhys Darby also featured with his description of New Zealand, calling it a “half-eaten lamb chop”.

Public voting closes at midday December 12 and the winner will be announced the following day.