Full Breakdown
New Zealand's 2025 Quote of the Year Competition Highlights Public Sentiment
12/10/2025, 11:31:31 AM
Overview of the Competition
The 2025 Quote of the Year competition in New Zealand has entered its voting phase, allowing the public to select their favorite quote from a curated list of ten finalists. This year's selection reflects significant national discussions, ranging from social issues to political commentary. Voting will close at midnight on December 15, with the winner announced shortly thereafter.
Notable Quotes and Context
Among the finalists is Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who, in response to criticism of the school lunches program, remarked, “If you are unhappy with it, for God's sake, go make a Marmite sandwich and put an apple in a bag just like you and I had.” This comment, made during an interview with Newstalk ZB in March, has sparked considerable debate about the adequacy of government-provided meals for children.
Other notable quotes include Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick's statement during a parliamentary debate on Palestinian statehood: "If we find six of 68 Government MPs with a spine, we can stand on the right side of history." This remark led to her ejection from the house, highlighting the contentious nature of the discussion surrounding New Zealand's foreign policy.
Olympic gold medalist Hamish Kerr also features prominently, stating, “The next goal is to jump 2.40m as that's quite a key height, and also because it'd be kind of cool to be able to jump over a ceiling,” reflecting his aspirations and achievements in athletics.
Broader Implications
The panel of communications experts responsible for selecting the quotes emphasized that these statements serve as a mirror to the national mood, encapsulating larger conversations about equity, identity, and leadership in New Zealand. They noted that the quotes are unfiltered and represent raw, emotional moments that resonate with the public.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics have pointed out that Luxon's comments may overlook the challenges faced by families who cannot easily prepare lunches, suggesting a disconnect between political rhetoric and the realities of everyday life. This sentiment underscores a broader concern regarding the government's approach to social welfare and support for families.
Official Statements & Responses
The panel overseeing the competition remarked, “They are a mirror of the issues we discussed and read about, like equity, identity, and leadership.” They highlighted the importance of these quotes in sparking debate and reflecting the complexities of contemporary New Zealand society.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you are unhappy with it, for God's sake, go make a Marmite sandwich and put an apple in a bag just like you and I had.” — Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister
- “If we find six of 68 Government MPs with a spine, we can stand on the right side of history.” — Chlöe Swarbrick, Green Party co-leader
- “The next goal is to jump 2.40m as that's quite a key height, and also because it'd be kind of cool to be able to jump over a ceiling.” — Hamish Kerr, Olympic gold medalist
Conclusion
As the voting period for the 2025 Quote of the Year competition progresses, the selected quotes not only highlight individual voices but also encapsulate the broader societal issues currently at play in New Zealand. The outcome of this competition will likely reflect the public's sentiments on these pressing matters.
