Inspiring New Zealanders [2004]
Like others in the global technoculture, their children are top of the list for many New Zealanders as a primary source of inspiration and excitement.
It seems that the less we have of them, the more they fascinate and amaze us. It's not just a matter of having "a couple of kiddies" anymore.
Other sources of inspiration are listed below in rough order of prevalence. On the basis of this evidence you would call New Zealand a humanist society rather than a religious one.
- Friends and mentors. And ordinary people who do extraordinary things. (widespread)
- Exploring new horizons - through travel or new experiences (very common)
- Adrenaline sports and danger. (usually men)
- Their personal religious faith (people who have one)
- Sexy technology. (people who adapt fastest).
Our icons reflect
these preferences. Most are personified by our undisputed national
hero, Sir Edmund Hillary. Other heroes who emerge from our
annual research include Prime Minister Helen Clark, filmmaker Peter Jackson and adventurer, the late Sir Peter Blake.
"It seems that the less we have of them, the more they fascinate and amaze us. It's not just a matter of having "a couple of kiddies" anymore. "
