Unveiling the Quirkiest Listings on Trade Me in 2023

At the top of our list is a potato chip with a heart-shaped hole that stole the show, capturing not just taste buds but also hearts. This listing hit 104,000 views but what makes this snack extraordinary is its origin story - a young girl’s ingenious idea to raise funds for the Starship Foundation. Ten-year-old Bianca found the chip after tucking into a bag one Sunday afternoon in July. Instead of eating the chip, Bianca listed it on Trade Me and raised $5,000 for Starship. Her auction speaks volumes about generosity, creativity, and community.

Coming in at second place was a natural wonder. Imagine stumbling upon a rock that bears an uncanny resemblance to the map of New Zealand. This rock found on the West Coast of the South Island has a natural lime deposit on it that looks remarkably like New Zealand. Nature’s quirky handiwork or a geological miracle? Regardless, this peculiar find turns geology into a delightful game of shapes and surprises, making it a must-have for collectors and Kiwi enthusiasts alike. A lot of Kiwi were interested in this listing with 82,000 views, but unfortunately no one hit the eye-watering $20,000 Buy Now price.

This year Kiwi really went out there with their sense of humour with not one, not two, but four phallic-shaped foodstuffs. Every year we see a funky shaped fruit or vege. This years stand out vegetable is a radish that cheekily defies the norms, amusingly shaped like a certain anatomical feature and you thought it was great too with over 58,000 Kiwi viewings this year and selling for $151 which went to the Auckland flood victims. Embracing the slightly more eccentric side of gardening, these quirky fruits and veggies bring a touch of humour to your kitchen.

A huge moment for the country was when our then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced she was resigning in January. As Kiwi from around the motu digested the news, an iconic TV interview with a very casually dressed incoming Prime Minister Chris Hipkins had the nation talking. On the same day, Chris’ cap and sunnies that he wore during the interview went up onsite. The listing description called it Chris’ ‘hutt-issue headgear [that] gives you the cred to hustle … or become Prime Minister.” It wasn’t long before the auction went viral, clocking up 51,000 views making it our fourth most viewed listing of the year and selling for $1,580. A unique piece of memorabilia for political enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals alike.

For Warriors fans, the spotlight falls on a personalised number plate - UPDWAH - a clever nod to the now unforgettable phrase 'Up the Wahs'. A testament to the unyielding support fans have for their favourite sports teams, this listing is not just a licence plate; it's a declaration of allegiance and passion. Following the Warriors winning streak we saw thousands of fans flock to the site in search of merch. This auction gained a lot of attention with almost 45,000 page views and sold for $9,350.