New Zealander Of The Year: Mittens The Cat A Candidate

Mittens, the cat, is an icon in New Zealand. Mittens, originally from the suburbs of Auckland but really became a social media star when he, his brother Latte, and their owner, Silvio Bruinsma, moved to the capital city. According to Mittens' Wikipedia page, since moving to the capital city, Mittens' been featured on the 2018 edition of the Wellington Advent Calendar, was given the Key to the City of Wellington and was the subject of an exhibition at the Wellington Museum.

Quite the accomplishments! Mittens' is so famous, he can proudly join the ranks of New Zealand's other treasures -- Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor.

Mittens also has a private Facebook group called, "The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens," with over 50k followers all who track Mittens' daily activities around the town. Mittens walks freely around town and the entire town worships him, posing for pictures and calling him "Your Highness."

And now, in 2020, Mittens is in the running to be the New Zealander of the Year!

We've got our fingers crossed for you, Mittens!

Story via The Guardian

01
The Royal Highness himself -- Mittens!

via @pandoratolson
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02
Mittens obtaining the key to the city of Wellington

via Mittens The Cat
03
"Popular feline personality Mittens spent Wednesday at the Michael Fowler Centre, sleeping inside one of the theatre's offices."

via Supplied/Oliver Labone
04
"Was visited by Mittens today while at a sewing class. He just napped."

via u/agonz18
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05

via @Xaphriel
06
"Was feeling a bit off this morning and nearly called in sick. Glad I didn’t because today was the day His Royal Highness decided to grace my humble desk with a long nap… and then he helped himself to my water. Best. Day. Ever.--

via The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens

As he was sleeping he left a puddle of drool on my paperwork. Framing that, obvs.""
07
"Almost came off my bike when I saw him but it was bloody worth it."

via The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens
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08
"The third date with Mittens….he walked me home like a true gentleman…had a nightcap….and jumped straight into my bed…such a Casanova!!!!"

via The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens
09
"Mittens came for his 2nd visit to Kitomba within a week. We're on the 7th floor in Eagle Tech House Victoria St. As you can see, his royal highness is holding an audience with his round table... Never seen a group of guys be so smitten"

via The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens
10
"Mittens graced us with his presence during a video shoot by the civic square"

via The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens
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11
"I found Mittens on the Cuba street! Lol"

via The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens
12
"Mittens is currently having a nap in Crumpet"

via The Wondrous Adventures of Mittens