PM and partner make Quote of Year cut

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Clarke Gayford arrive on the red carpet at the 2017 VNZMA Music Awards. New Zealand Herald picture

PRIME Minister Jacinda Ardern’s Gisborne-born and bred partner Clarke Gayford has made the news again.

Along with his partner, he is among the 10 shortlisted finalists in Massey University’s annual Quote of the Year competition.

Speaking on his role as Jacinda Ardern’s partner, Mr Gayford’s quote in the top 10 is: “First ladyman? Who knows… Aiming for Michelle Obama, probably gonna be a little bit closer to Prince Philip.”

His partner’s pledge to tackle climate change is also on the list — “This is my generation’s nuclear-free moment.”

Competition organiser and co-judge Dr Heather Kavan says 2017’s nominated quotes were dominated, as you would expect, by this year’s general election.

“There were a lot of political insults and these made up one-quarter of the entries,” Dr Kavan says.

Of the political jibes, she thinks Winston Peters’ “ravaged by a toothless sheep” line stands out and deserves its place in the top 10.

The other eight 2017 Quote of the year finalists are, in no particular order:

“It’s deeply disappointing, but it’s not gay.” — actor Jatinder Singh after “Nigel” calls a dropped pie “gay” in Rainbow Youth’s advertisement.

“Excuse me for laughing, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been ravaged by a toothless sheep.” — Winston Peters on Gareth Morgan.

“I’m embracing my new feather duster status.” — Paula Bennett, ending her tenure as Deputy Prime Minister.

“I am a different shade of brown.”— student Jai Selkirk of the Dilworth School team winning Word – The Front Line Poetry Slam competition.

“Please tell me that’s not your penis.” — Shortland Street’s Dr Chris Warner (Michael Galvin) confronting his son about a photo, in a cliff-hanger ending.

“If humour is common sense dancing, John Clarke was Nureyev.” — musician Don McGlashan on the death of comedian John Clarke.

“For overseas observers, in NZ elections, we all vote then take the ballots, chuck them out — and ask a man called Winston Peters who won.” — writer Ali Ikram tweeting about the 2017 election.

“I’ve not seen the data about the risk factor of death by falling fatty; I’d imagine it’s similar to the risk factor of death by Sharknado.” — fat activist and scholar Dr Cat Pause when asked if fat people are a hazard because they could fall on you.