The experts at More In Common surveyed the British people to find out who you consider your most cherished celebrities. As discussed on the show, the top five were David Attenborough (82% said he's a national treasure), Judi Dench (68%), Elton John (59%), Paul McCartney (58%), and Joanna Lumley (56%).
I guess this is another way to look at what I was saying when I got offside with Napier. What’s the soul of NZ? What matters to us?
Or to put it another way- who are our national treasures? I’m not sure I can think of one, because things are so politicised and people who might be beloved by everyone ‘belong’ to one side or the other. McCaw or Carter are close to the rural National party. Don McGlashin or the Finn brothers often promote a bit of te reo which is now not our usp, but a major crime apparently and are a bit leftie.
Perhaps social media means we dig over or care what people who are not part of any campaign or anything might have said at the pub or a party and left there. Or perhaps causes are quicker to grab famous people. I don’t know.
The idea that a newsreader would become a politician or a political figure or that the 6pm news itself was political rather than reporting on politics would have seemed a bit strange.
Any thoughts for who might be a Kiwi national treasure?
We don’t have telethons anymore. Or shows that the whole country tunes into on the TV.
Richard Hadlee is a possibility, but he has avoided the limelight and isn’t particularly charismatic! Peter Jackson was headed that way, but got involved in a few controversial things, despite some public minded works and an early strong record of bringing his success home and sharing it.
Siouxsie Wiles also dedicated to her work and well received in places lost fans in others. Karl Urban and others are off overseas. Cat Wilson at first and now Mel Bracewell went to Oz.
Maybe Ashley Bloomfield as one? And maybe…Guy Montgomery? He seems too young, but of the type of humour that includes people.
I guess this is another way to look at what I was saying when I got offside with Napier. What’s the soul of NZ? What matters to us?
Or to put it another way- who are our national treasures? I’m not sure I can think of one, because things are so politicised and people who might be beloved by everyone ‘belong’ to one side or the other. McCaw or Carter are close to the rural National party. Don McGlashin or the Finn brothers often promote a bit of te reo which is now not our usp, but a major crime apparently and are a bit leftie.
Perhaps social media means we dig over or care what people who are not part of any campaign or anything might have said at the pub or a party and left there. Or perhaps causes are quicker to grab famous people. I don’t know.
The idea that a newsreader would become a politician or a political figure or that the 6pm news itself was political rather than reporting on politics would have seemed a bit strange.
Any thoughts for who might be a Kiwi national treasure?
We don’t have telethons anymore. Or shows that the whole country tunes into on the TV.
Richard Hadlee is a possibility, but he has avoided the limelight and isn’t particularly charismatic! Peter Jackson was headed that way, but got involved in a few controversial things, despite some public minded works and an early strong record of bringing his success home and sharing it.
Siouxsie Wiles also dedicated to her work and well received in places lost fans in others. Karl Urban and others are off overseas. Cat Wilson at first and now Mel Bracewell went to Oz.
Maybe Ashley Bloomfield as one? And maybe…Guy Montgomery? He seems too young, but of the type of humour that includes people.
