Sparky

This is the picture of the new electric tug that the Ports of Auckland is buying. They recently asked the public to name the tug and I dove in.  You may remember a post I did some time ago about the experiences of some organizations when they opened up the naming of their new purchase to the public. The Ports contest committee was very careful to insure that an innapropriate name did not get in to the list, much less win.  

A couple of posts ago I listed some of the names I had suggested but my entire list ran to about two dozen.  

I was delighted when I found that my 8th suggestion, Sparky, was chosen for the short list of four finalists.  

I also found out that another of my names (Doug) (the tug), was mentioned as an interesting choice, but was not in the running. Pretty good I thought to have two names listed considering that 3,000 people took part in the contest.  

After about a week of public on-line voting, the announcement of the name was made on the Auckland TV show, Breakfast, yesterday. 

Sparky WON!  

Unfortunately, at least one other person Also sent in the same name.  A drawing was held therefore to see who would win the $1,000 gift card and a ride on the tug when it arrives here in 2021. I was not selected.  

That's okay. When I saw the notice for the contest, I wanted to take part because of the fun of naming the tug. It was not because they offered an impressive prize.  

This is a picture taken from our TV screen of the Breakfast presenter announcing the winner of the money and ride.  

I'll have the fun when Sparky arrives next year of knowing that I suggested the name painted on her bow. That's a big win.  

                                                                  -djf