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Barnaby nominated for Kiwi of the year award

Embattled Australian Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, is the second-most nominated person for 2018’s New Zealander of Year award.

Aug 25, 2017, updated Aug 25, 2017
Barnaby Joyce - New Zealander of the year?  Photo: AAP/Daniel Munoz

Barnaby Joyce - New Zealander of the year? Photo: AAP/Daniel Munoz

It was revealed in early August that Joyce held New Zealand citizenship by descent through his father – a revelation that threatens the government’s majority in parliament.

But while it’s a major constitutional issue in Australia, Kiwis seem to have seen the funnier side.

New Zealand of the Year award manager Glyn Taylor on Friday revealed Joyce was the second-most nominated person on the prize’s longlist so far.

“At the conclusion of the nominations period, the awards office will assess Mr Joyce’s eligibility based on his citizenship and other criteria,” he said.

“It’s also not unusual for people of the moment to attract significant support during the public nominations period.”

But Taylor seemed to hint Joyce wasn’t much of a chance.

“The independent judging panel will then consider each nomination on how a particular individual has contributed to making New Zealand a better place to live.”

Joyce has since renounced his New Zealand citizenship.

About 371 nominations have been received so far, with a deadline of September 18.

A shortlist will be chosen by a panel and announced in December.

The award was this year won by filmmaker Taika Waititi.

– AAP

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