The quest is on for Massey University's 2018 Quote of the Year, and we are asking for your help to find it. Please send in any colourful statements said or written by a New Zealander this year. The line can be from any public source, including movies, stand-up comedy, advertisements, television, social media and news reports.
Nominate your favourite quote at http://bit.ly/VoteQOTY2018.
There is a lot of potential material out there, competition organiser and speech writing lecturer Dr Heather Kavan says.
“Film and television are great sources, with quotes from Shortland Street and the AM Show featuring in last year’s top ten.
“Another possible source is New Zealanders who spoke at international events. I’m thinking of Rose Matafeo at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Georgina Beyer at the Oxford Union, and Jacinda Ardern at the United Nations and on the Stephen Colbert show.”
“Closer to home, there’s usually no shortage of quotes from the Beehive. For years, Winston Peters and Paula Bennett have supplied some of the best one-liners.”
The quote doesn’t have to be amusing, Dr Kavan states. “The words can be rousing, tragic, beautiful, controversial, or even embarrassing. Generally, the winning quote is one people enjoy hearing again and again.”
How to nominate
To nominate a quote, go to our online nomination form. We'll keep nominations open until midnight of November 29, at which time Massey's expert judging panel will choose the top 10. The shortlist will then be open to public vote, with the Quote of the Year announced on December 13.
Previous winning quotes
Here is a look at one-liners that topped the polls in previous years.
2017
Winner: “Please tell me that’s not your penis.” – Shortland Street’s Dr Chris Warner (Michael Galvin) confronting his son about a nude photo, in a cliff-hanger ending.
Runner up: "It's deeply disappointing, but it's not gay." – Actor Jatinder Singh after ‘Nigel’ calls a dropped pie “gay” in Rainbow Youth's advertisement.
2016
Winner: "Sex just can't be that good." – Green MP Denise Roche when asked about Brian Tamaki’s statements that homosexuality causes earthquakes.
Runner up: “In the beginning I really admired Colin. It was only as time went on that I realised he was a douche bag.” – Rachel MacGregor testifying at Colin Craig’s defamation trial.
2015
Winner: “Here's the thing – none of us get out of life alive. So be gallant, be great, be gracious, and be grateful for the opportunities that you have."– Student Jake Bailey in a speech at his senior prize-giving ceremony a week after he was told if he did not get cancer treatment he would not be alive to give the speech.
Runner up: “Just my arm.” –Steven Hansen when asked what else he had up his sleeve during the Rugby World Cup tournament.
2014
Winner: “I play politics like Fijians play rugby. My role is smashing your face into the ground.” – Whale Oil blogger Cameron Slater after Nicky Hager's book Dirty Politics was released.
Runner up:“You work in news you puffed up little shit!...When will you glove puppets of Cameron Slater just piss off?” – Internet Party press secretary Pam Corkery at a campaign event, when the media kept asking for an interview with Kim Dotcom.
2013
Winner: “One of the messages that I had was that this bill was the cause of our drought. Well, in the Pakuranga electorate this morning it was pouring with rain. We had the most enormous big gay rainbow across my electorate.” – Cabinet minister Maurice Williamson in his speech to Parliament supporting the gay marriage law.
Runner-up: “The GCSB, the only government department that will actually listen to you.” – Unknown origin but repeated on social media.
2012
Winner: “Zip it, sweetie.” –Paula Bennett to Jacinda Ardern in Parliament.
Runner up: “I just want to emphasise that it is not our best guess, it's just a guess.” – Bill English estimating the financial value of selling state assets.