This was published 14 years ago
'Bubbly, vivacious' Aussie wins Kiwi version of 'best job'
New Zealand's "dream job" has been nabbed by a vivacious young Australian, ruffling more than a few feathers across the Tasman.
Nicquel Rhoden, a 20-year-old from Brisbane, pipped a New Zealander and eight other finalists to win an all expenses paid three-month trip around the country.
The gimmick, similar to Tourism Queensland's "best job in the world" search, was designed to help market New Zealand to the world.
The travel company behind the job, Entirely Kiwi, says the campaign, which garnered more than 300 applications, was a "huge success", with interest attracted from countries far and wide.
But picking an Australian winner had caused more than a little controversy among New Zealanders, the company's director Vanessa Forsyth said.
"We chose Nicquel because she's bubbly, vivacious and incredibly personable," Ms Forsyth said.
"But it seems that there were a lot Kiwis out there who thought we should have chosen the New Zealand finalist, Craig Martin."
She said many New Zealanders had been "speaking their mind" on the topic on Twitter and in emails to the company.
Ms Rhoden said she was "not at all surprised" to hear there had been a backlash.
"That's exactly how it was in Australia when a Briton won our top job, so I kind of expected it if the New Zealander didn't win," she said.
"The most important thing is that I think I'm able to promote New Zealand just as well as a local could because I totally love the country."
The competition required applicants to make a video explaining why they were the best person for the job, and then attract fans on a blog website.
They were judged on their popularity, sense of humour and "ability to brag".
Ms Rhoden, who is finishing a tourism degree at the University of Queensland, won free flights and accommodation for three months, transport, a daily food allowance, spending money and a camera.
But like the Queensland gimmick, she won't be paid to make the trip, which is scheduled to start in February.
AAP
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