Quote finalists

‘‘We’re quite a fiddly-looking shaped country – a bit like a half-eaten lamb chop.’’ – Actor and comedian Rhys Darby speculating on why New Zealand is left off world maps, in a Tourism NZ video. ‘‘It’s racist as f .... I think New Zealand is the best place on the planet, but it’s a racist place.’’ – Film-maker Taika Waititi describing experiences of discrimination. ‘‘Wonky Donkey has had a good run for a donkey with three legs.’’ – Author Craig Smith after sales of his children’s book skyrocketed thanks to a popular online video of a grandmother reading it. ‘‘I do find it slightly offensive that everyone thinks that every New Zealander starred in either Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit.’’ – Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on The Stephen Colbert Show. ‘‘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 prime minister John Key on trying to keep up with who the latest Australian prime minister is. ‘‘Winston Peters spends a huge amount of time on me, on Paula Ben-Benefit- Bennett.’’ – National Party leader Simon Bridges’ slip of the tongue when referring to colleague Paula Bennett.