Barnaby Joyce hilariously honoured with award nomination

Australian Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has become the second-most nominated person for the 2018 New Zealander of the Year award. 

Earlier in the month it was revealed that Joyce is in fact a dual citizen of Australia and New Zealand by descent, surprising not only all of Australia, but Joyce himself.

Read more: Shock update on Barnaby Joyce’s citizenship bungle

He’s not the first, second, or even third member of parliament to be caught up in a dual citizenship scandal of late, with Australia beginning to wonder if any MPs are indeed eligible to stand. 

However, while it may be a major issue here in the land of Oz, the Kiwis seem to think it’s hilarious. 

Read more: Quarantine-breaching star gets last laugh with Barnaby Joyce

Glyn Taylor, New Zealander of the Year award manager, said that out of a long list of nominees, Joyce is currently the second-most nominated. However, he also said that it isn’t unusual for people currently in the spotlight to get nominated. 

“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.

“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.”

Given Joyce has since renounced his New Zealand citizenship, he probably doesn’t have much hope of taking home the honour. 

Did this give you a bit of a chuckle?