We l ve this country because . . .

To mark our 10 years in New Zealand we asked prominent Kiwis why this is the best country in the world.

STORMING

Prime Minister John Key

“I love this country, and I spend a heap of time singing its praises all around the world as I travel. I think our biggest asset is our people. We are not just friendly — we are funny, generous and kind. We are also really good at what we do — we are a nation of innovators who punch way above our weight in almost everything we try. And, yes, we live in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on the planet, that happens to produce food and wine so good that the world just can’t get enough of it. I’m proud to call this place home.”

Former All Blacks’ coach Graham Henry

“The inf luence of the All Blacks on how the world views New Zealand is clearly substantial but there is a lot more to this great country than a great rugby team. As a nation we have a very positive attitude. It is a mindset that is solution-oriented and we want to make a difference. There are many Kiwis not just doing well at home but who are making a significant impact around the world in many fields of endeavour. Our reputation really began with the efforts of our soldiers in World War I and World War II. We are well liked and resilient. I have been fortunate to travel the world many times but I am always glad to come home.”

Olympian Valerie Adams:

“I spend about nine months of the year out of the country and the first thing that hits me when I get home is the feel and smell of the New Zealand air. As soon as I step through the doors at the airport I’m immediately aware of how clean and fresh it is. We don’t realise how lucky we are. There is also nothing better than pulling on the black singlet and representing my country. It is what drives and motivates me. And there is also nothing quite like standing on the podium at a big event and hearing the national anthem and seeing the f lag. It really fills me with immense pride.”

Broadcaster Kerre McIvor

“Because of our democracy and our egalitarian society. It doesn’t matter whether you are male or female, whether you come from the right side of the tracks or not, whether you came here as a recent migrant or if your forebears were on one of the first ships. New Zealanders, over the years have had the opportunity to achieve their dreams and aspirations and they have been limited only by their imagination. I think social f luidity is under threat and we need to ensure that whether you’re at a low-decile school or the f lashest private school, you have the opportunity to succeed. I love that we are a country that cares — the good, kind, honest people far outweigh the malcontents — and I love that we live in a socially progressive country.”

Former Black Cap Mark Richardson

“There’s not much you can’t do here. If you want a city you can live in a city, if you want the rural lifestyle you can do that too and if you want to get away from it all, isolation is not too far away. In fact, nothing is too far from reach. How many places in the world can you go for a surf in the morning and then ski in the afternoon? Not many, if any. We live in the comfort of the western world, for sure, but we are more the South Pacific. Perhaps in one word what sums up New Zealand? Well

I’d say it’s ‘attainable’.”

Chef Al Brown

“With our relatively small land mass we have an extraordinary amount of diverse and unique landscapes on offer. We should always be celebrating our environment — mountains, beaches, deserts, active volcanoes, high country, native bush, rivers, lakes and rolling pastures are practically all on offer in any direction. Our four distinct seasons present an over abundance of culinary delights every month. Throw in our special cities, towns and settlements, all with their own character and vibe, and for me, what you see is a country confident individual and collective What’s not to love?” in its

skin.

TV Presenter Toni Street

“I love that New Zealand is a safe place to bring up my kids. There’s space for them to play and enjoy life’s treasures, like the beach, the mountains and bush. At the same time New Zealand isn’t so small that you can’t feel the buzz of our biggest cities. We still have some of the best food and restaurants in the world; we get big theatrical productions, and some of the world’s best musical acts — my home town of New Plymouth even got Elton John. I’ve travelled to many beautiful countries but so many still have that mass-produced feel. That’s New Zealand’s ultimate trump card. We’re like this little boutique sanctuary. No wonder we’re such a desirable destination.”

Auckland Mayor Len Brown

“I love that we are a nation of innovators. It injects an incomparable energy into the way we do things. We have had to use our intelligence, guts and courage to overcome lack of money, lack of people and sheer distance from the rest of the world. We create our own solutions to our own challenges. We still need to work on capturing that economically, keeping our brightest young talent at home to capitalise on our good ideas and provide all our young people with clear pathways into high-skilled, high-value, 21st-century jobs, but we’re on our way.”

Journalist Mike McRoberts

“Having reported from some of the worst places around the globe it’s clear why New Zealand might be considered the best — we’re a small, friendly nation, mostly isolated from the disadvantage and terror that aff licts so many other countries. But it’s more than that. New Zealand is my home. I can’t ever really imagine a day when I wouldn’t want to live here, to see my children grow up here and, maybe one day, their children. I love everything about this place, its courage, its humour, its awkwardness and its dignity.”

Mad Butcher Sir Peter Leitch

“I have travelled the world but I am always happy to get back home. I believe it’s the land of opportunity. We tend to take a lot of things for granted — the great beaches, the fantastic scenery, the clean green open spaces that every Kiwi can share and a peaceful environment. And, of course, there are the opportunities available here even for people from humble beginnings like myself and others. I didn’t know my alphabet or times tables but still built a very successful chain of butcher shops. I doubt I could have done that in any other country in the world.”

Singer Annie Crummer

“Everyone here knows how to greet in Te Reo and we all know the National Anthem in English and Te Reo too — this equates to pride! I am proud to live in New Zealand and be part of this great nation.”