"There are several possible quotes from John Key's unexpected resignation, but 'I gave it everything I had' conveys the heart of his message."
The events are from all over the world, but judges were strict about ensuring the quotes all came from New Zealanders.
"A powerful quote uses the minimum number of words for maximum meaning, so the words represent a whole story," Kavan said.
"We also looked for originality, wit, impact, emotional strength, memorability and vividness of the language."
So prepare for insults, sexy quips, and momentous moments, because here are the Massey University 2016 Quote of the Year finalists.
Quotes
• "All I can say is that I gave it everything I had. I left nothing in the tank."
- Prime Minister John Key announcing his sudden resignation.
• "I do name a lot of my animals as an insurance policy, because if you name a chicken Meryl Streep, in all fairness you can't eat Meryl Streep."
- Sam Neill explaining his animals' names on The Graham Norton Show.
• "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.
• "You can tell that she's a negotiator. I've never won an argument with her in my life."
- Dylan Kelly describing his mother, the late union leader Helen Kelly.
• "Sex just can't be that good."
- Green MP Denise Roche when asked about Brian Tamaki's statements that homosexuality causes earthquakes.
• "You want a nose job? Well I'm going to give you one."
- Bella Henry before fighting Naz Khanjani from The Bachelor in the boxing ring.
• "A haka would have provoked them, they wouldn't understand what it means, and these guys are looking at any reason to take a shot at us."
- Kereama Te Ua after delivering a stirring haka during protests against the Dakota Access pipeline at Standing Rock.
• "I may be short, Mr Brownlee, but at least I could sing."
- Ray Columbus' response to Gerry Brownlee's criticism of him, printed after Columbus' death, quoted by Vicki Anderson.
• "You're a clever cow to skip and dance while the land beneath you is disappearing down the hill."
- Farmer Derrick Milton after helping to rescue three cows stranded by the Kaikoura earthquake.
• "If Americans were given a choice, they would have a gun on their flag."
- Comedian Matt Stellingwerf at the Billy T. James 2016 Stand up Comedy Awards.
