Comedian and television host John Oliver has come up with a solution to New Zealand's frequent omission from world maps.
Earlier this month, in the latest in a long line of omissions from maps, Ikea apologised for leaving New Zealand off a large multi-coloured map being sold in the United States.
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"Ikea is responsible for securing correct and compliant motifs on all our products," a spokesperson said.
"We can see that the process has failed regarding the product BJÖRKSTA world map - we regret this mistake and apologise. We will take the necessary actions and the product is now being phased out from our stores."
Now Oliver, who has previously ridiculed Kiwi politicians such as Steven Joyce and Bill English on his Last Week Tonight show, has poked fun at the mistake.
"New Zealand gets left off maps all the time. Now, do I think that is funny? Yes, yes I do," Oliver said.
"New Zealand, a place which is basically Time Square if all the people were sheep and if all the neon lights were also sheep, keeps getting picked never in the dodge ball game of maps."
He went on to list textbooks, decorations, board games, like Risk, and boards in airports which have also omitted Aotearoa.
"[It] begs the question, where do these airports think flights to New Zealand are going?"
"Whether you like New Zealand or not, you can't deny, it is there. It is not just Australia's imaginary friend," he said.
Oliver had a solution to New Zealand's problem, posting a "print out" picture of the country on Twitter which he said can be added to any map that needs it.
The Ikea snub was even more embarrassing as the furniture company has announced it plans to establish its first New Zealand store.
Newshub.
