Mr. Winston has a very valid point. Thanks partly to our outstanding media services our society does seem to be increasing its tendency to live vicariously through worse and worse role models. But considering so called intellectuals convince the public that Economics is a science, with a theory that progress in the name of consumption, is good, rugby players etc don't seem to be that terrible role model.

Totally agree with Prof Winston, NZ does hold too much of a high opinion of itself as a country - needs to be dragged down a bit. The culture here is far too materialistic and prone to false idol worship. You'd think being a small place we'd be far more down to earth, humble, practical than we are as a country nowadays.

Oh dear - Rick Finlayson #71 really made my day. An academic and celebrate comes from the greeek word celebrate. LOL.

And rugby players transgressing of the field.

Thank you for that - I needed a good laugh.

some of the comments are absolutly ridiculous!

who are you to say what society should focus on? sports are interesting, we as people dont follow dan carter's every word..but we are intreagued as to what goes on in his life etc, well not me personally but the media is atleast

look at christians for example, you live your life following a book that is made up!

i had respect for Robert Winston but after the comments he has made in this article i think he is full of it...

I would guess that there are more New Zealanders that are familiar with the All Black's third choice for no. 10 than there are New Zealanders that have heard of Alan MacDiarmid or Colin Murdoch. That's pretty sad.

I think that Lord Winston is presumptious. Isn't society agreed that 'morals' and 'values' are relativistic notions, with no basis or authority?. Perhaps this comment (captured by the media), from him was intended in the same manner that celebrities use it- 'to attract attention to oneself' and stimulate interest in his speaking tour. He employs the techniques, that he despises in others, for his own gain..

Yeah nice one Ron. Ernst Rutherford wasn't from Nelson he was from Brightwater so don't talk yourself up mate! His university studies were'nt in NZ either so not sure where you think you're getting your news from? Didn't realise spelling gave you a higher IQ than anyone else? Maybe you need to spend some time with Richard Branson to humble what seems a very high opinion of yourself!

Ignorance is everywhere (and it is contagious). The media dictates what is deemed to be cool, and Mr & Mrs. Joe Average will always listen to them. Is it suprising that the average human is so easily led? We are trained not to value culture or creativity in this country (contrary to what you were taught to believe) so is it suprising that we endorse useless celebrities? And yes, warbling pop stars with who don't write their own music, philandering golfers, and men who can kick balls and fondle each other are pretty much useless. People who idolise all forms of the cult of personality do so at the expense of their own development.

Greg #122 - You are going to California to escape the cult of personality worship that is so much more prevalent here in New Zealand???? I'm confused!!! Hic!! Land of Drunken bums?? Hic!! I've got my street corner scoped out already! hic! Got change for an exVet? Hic!

@ ericha #91

dan #6 called everyone stupid, Stu #7 thinks the AB's are talentless Joe Averages and Sirknz #10 basically described all rugby players/supporters as thickos/thugs. If anything I did bring the conversation up a notch by focusing on them and not stereotyping half the country (dan and Sirknz).

You inferred I was too stupid to take part in the debate so I stated my IQ and 99.5% is a conservative percentage (I think it's closer to 99.8 or 99.9% from memory) of the country that I have a higher IQ than.