NZed on Most Trusted Kiwis

We trust sportspeople - but not our neighbours

Friday May 26, 2006
By Derek Cheng

What do Destiny Church bishop Brian Tamaki and Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia - or all politicians, for that matter - have in common with car salespeople, credit card companies and your boss?

They cannot be trusted, according to the Reader's Digest 2006 Trust Survey.


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Well, no surprises there. Kiwis just love their sportspeople, somehow reflecting their nationalistic pride. Sportspeople are rarely involved in scandals and controversies. They admire people who punch above their weight. A country just above 4 million people, New Zealand probably has the most number of world champions if you consider the population. They just love slugging it out with the Aussies, its like David and Goliath. And nothing exemplifies this more than during the rugby matches.

Media has probably got something to do with it too. If its a sporting achievement, its newsworthy. But very rarely do you read something about a politician unless it involve scandals or controversy.