Tom Tom names NZ's most iconic Kiwi accent

After listening to thousands of New Zealanders talk about turning left and right, TomTom has announced Ben Harper as the winner its ‘Be The Voice of New Zealand’ competition that launched in September.

For his troubles, Ben wins a Suzuki Swift RS valued at $22,900.

“Being named as the new and iconic Kiwi voice for TomTom is so crazy. It’s amazing. To also win a Suzuki Swift RS, that’s just the icing on the cake,” beamed Harper. “If you saw my current unwarranted, and unregistered, piece of mechanical goodness, you’d understand how totally stoked I am. I just hope that overseas TomTom users can understand the accent.”

Harper's voice was chosen as the winner based on a combination of criteria that included public votes, quality of entry and adherence to the audition instructions.

“Ben Harper has an iconic New Zealand voice that will resonate with all Kiwis,” said Nick Saisanas, Marketing Communications Manager, Asia Pacific. “We set out to capture that authentic Kiwi accent with the ‘Be The Voice of New Zealand’ competition and we have found that voice in Harper. Thanks to everyone who participated and made this a fun ride,” said Saisanas.

Harper’s voice will be recorded next week and available for download from TomTom Home in time for Christmas.

If you really can’t wait that long though, you can hear him giving directions here.