Teen idol, tragedy get NZ googling

Justin Bieber. Photo / Christine Cornege

"Beliebers" rejoice.

Teen idol Justin Bieber was googled by New Zealanders more than anyone this year.

Different earthquakes around the world - including Chile, Haiti and Christchurch - were also popular on the search engine giant, as well as controversial television host Paul Henry.

Google released the most-searched-for words of 2010, with the Christchurch earthquake and Pike River mining disaster ranked highly by New Zealanders.

Embattled South Canterbury Finance boss Allan Hubbard topped the 10 most-searched New Zealanders, followed closely by former Labour MP Chris Carter.

Former TVNZ star Henry appeared on more than one list, including fastest-rising news and top 10 fastest-rising New Zealanders. Sheila Dikshit, who was ridiculed by Henry, also appeared in a list of fastest-rising people searched for by New Zealanders.

Trade Me came third behind Facebook and YouTube in the overall most popular web search category.

Grab One, which offers daily discounts and deals, was the fastest-rising web search in New Zealand.

The All Whites' string of draws at the World Cup in South Africa won them a spot on the list of the fastest-rising news searches, but they were beaten by the All Blacks in the "hot tickets" stakes. Kim Kardashian was the most-searched-for celebrity.

FASTEST RISING PEOPLE

* Justin Bieber
* Lara Bingle
* Paul Henry
* Katy Perry
* Sonny Bill Williams
* Kim Kardashian
* Selena Gomez
* Karen Walker
* Les Mills
* Miley Cyrus