Scientists top 'most-trusted' list

Published: 7:24AM Monday June 20, 2011 Source: ONE News

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Three scientists are the top three most-trusted people in New Zealand, according to a survey out this morning.

The annual Reader's Digest "Most Trusted People" survey has been released with scientist and inventor Sir Ray Avery topping the list.

The Prime Minister's chief science advisor Sir Peter Gluckman is second and physicist Sir Paul Callaghan comes in at third.

Notable drops include Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Bill Apiata who topped the list last year, but sits at 14 in 2011.

Former Fair Go host Kevin Milne was the second most trusted New Zealander last year, but only makes 20 this year. But Breakfast ONE News reader Peter Williams has made a show - he sits at number 24 on the list.

Sir Peter Snell was third in 2010 and occupies spot 34 in this year's list.

Others in the top 10 include playwright Roger Hall at five and Flight of the Concords comedy duo Bret McKenzie at six and Jermaine Clement at eight.

Grey District mayor Tony Kokshoorn, who has been the face of the Pike River mining disaster since November, is a new addition at number 10.

The popularity of MasterChef has seen judge Simon Gault come in at number nine.

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker is number 39.

Outgoing Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand is number 26 while his replacement Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae is the 11th most trusted Kiwi.

Psychology professor Ruth Gammon told TV ONE's Breakfast that the past year has been tough for Kiwis and that is reflected in this year's list.

"New Zealand has had a really tough year we've had the Christchurch earthquakes, we've had the Pike River mine disaster, we're in a bit of a recession and we're really looking to make New Zealand a better place.

"The people are on the top list are really working to make New Zealand a sustainable place, they are looking to help other and they are giving to others," Gammon said.

Not so trusted

While the survey looks at the most trusted ranking, those who failed to generate support also make for interesting reading. 

At the tail of the list were a number of politicians - not promising for an election year. The Prime Minister John Key could only manage 90th, Deputy PM Bill English, 94; Pita Sharples, Minister of Maori Affairs came in at 95;  Labour Leader Phil Goff sits at 96; Tariana Turia, Maori Party co-leader, 97 and Hone Harawira, member for Te Tai Tokerau, brings up the rear on 100.

Reader's Digest commissions independent researchers to survey a representative sample of 500 New Zealand adults every year on who they trust most.

Respondents are asked to rate how much they trust 100 well-known people on a scale of one to ten.

They are also asked to rate professions and everyday relationships.

Top 20 most trusted people

1. Sir Ray Avery - scientist, inventor
2. Sir Peter Gluckman - Prime Minister's Chief Science Advisor
3. Sir Paul Callaghan - physicist
4. Hon Justice Helen Winkelman - Chief High Court judge
5. Roger Hall - playwright
6. Bret McKenzie - comedian, actor, musician
7. Denise L'Estrange-Corbet - designer
8. Jermaine Clement - comedian, actor, musician
9. Simon Gault - chef
10. Tony Kokshoorn - Grey District Mayor
11. Lt Gen Jerry Mateparae - Governor-General designate
12. Jay-Jay Feeney - radio host
13. Nigel Latta - psychologist
14. Cpl Willie Apiata - Victoria Cross recipient
15. Ryan Nelsen - All Whites captain
16. Kim Hill - journalist/broadcaster
17. Gareth Morgan - businessman, philanthropist
18. Jim Mora - broadcaster
19. Matt McCarten - union leader
20. Kevin Milne - former Fair Go host

What do you think of the most trusted list? Have your say on the messageboard below.

See the full list here .

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