The annual Massey University Quote of the Year competition takes in public entries which are then trimmed down to 10.
Judith Collins and Jacinda Ardern. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Finalists this year includes National leader Judith Collins, for her election campaign trail quip: "When my eyebrow goes up, it's a joke."
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is also up for the award, for her "I did a little dance", reaction to the news New Zealand had zero active cases of Covid-19.
But the most popular entry submitted by New Zealanders which made it on the list was, "You're on mute" - a popular refrain during Zoom calls.
Sara Qasem is also up for the award for when she looked at the Christchurch mosque gunman during his sentencing, and said: "Let it be known these tears are not for you."
And Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield's message of good news - "There are no new cases of Covid-19 to report in New Zealand today" - has also made it to the top 10.
Past winners of the award include Simon Bridges' description of Paula Bennett as "Paula Benefit" in 2018, while last year's "They are us" phrase won.
Voting is now open, until next Friday.
Quote of the Year top 10:
- 1. "Because we can't get on each other's nerves if we're dancing constantly." The Buchanan family in their music video that went viral during lockdown.
- 2. "When my eyebrow goes up, it's a joke." Judith Collins on how people can tell whether she is joking or being factual.
- 3."I am the orange face you can trust." Orange-fronted parakeet requesting votes in Bird of the Year competition.
- 4. "There are no new cases of Covid-19 to report in New Zealand today." Dr Ashley Bloomfield at press conferences throughout the year.
- 5. "The Aussies can have Russell Crowe, but they can't have our buzzy bee." Simon Beattie after The Crown shifted the New Zealand buzzy bee scene to Australia.
- 6. "Let it be known these tears are not for you." Sara Qasem speaking to the Christchurch Mosque gunman in her victim impact statement.
- 7. "I did a little dance." Jacinda Ardern when asked how she reacted when New Zealand had zero active cases of Covid 19.
- 8. "You're on mute." Most New Zealanders on Zoom from March 2020 onwards.
- 9. "Put your jazz cabbage away people." Hilary Barry on referendum results showing New Zealanders voted against legalising cannabis.
- 10. "It really highlights how three-ply soft we've become as a species." Psychology Professor Marc Wilson on stockpiling toilet paper during lockdown.
