New Zealander of the Year Taika Waititi has received public support after being criticised by some earlier this week for calling New Zealand out on its attitude "towards things that matter".
Waititi spoke to TVNZ's Marae saying, "I'm not very proud of coming from this place that people overseas thinks is this beautiful clean green place when in reality all our lakes and rivers are poisoned and we’ve got a lot to learn about looking after the environment.
"And we've got a lot to learn about our depression rates and our suicide rates, teen suicide rates, child poverty numbers".
Broadcaster Duncan Garner went as far as to say that he was a traitor to his country.
However support for his comments have since flooded into TVNZ1's Marae, with many people saying that they appreciate him speaking up and that he is a New Zealander of the past, present and future.
The Kiwi director told Kimberlee Downs it was one of the most egoless shoot he’s ever worked on. (Source: Other)
As one person commented “If the New Zealander of the year can't advocate for improving New Zealand and highlighting the falsities of our own whenua on an international stage then who can?".
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