Editorial: Trust a matter of instinct

What is it that defines whether a person is trustworthy? We all have people we put our faith in not to let us down, safe in the knowledge they will do whatever is expected, but often you get a sense of whether you will or will not be able to trust someone you have only just met.
In the case of people we know, past experience must count a lot - a history of let-downs will breed doubt that any request or opportunity involving the other person will go unfulfilled.
The release yesterday of the Readers Digest list of trusted New Zealanders makes fascinating reading, and hints at factors underlying our decisions on who to trust and who not to.
That the three top positions were occupied by scientists, including Wanganui's Sir Paul Callaghan, is not really surprising. They work in a world of definites, where empirical evidence substantiates every achievement or theory. The people listed are also known for their efforts in making society a better place.
One wonders at the lack of spiritual figures or does dealing in matters of faith over fact lead us into doubt?
As well as individuals, the list says certain occupations are more trusted than others: Firefighters and other emergency services are at the top and journalists and real estate agents are at the bottom.
Celebrity and prominence also play their part. Many on the list are well known; one wonders if Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker or Pike River Coal chief executive Peter Whittall would have featured so prominently in any other year.
A list of desirable traits we might develop in New Zealand for those we trust might include honesty, reliability, humility. The people who have made this year's list have all achieved at various levels across different sectors but how do you define their trustworthiness? Is it derived from whether or not they would call out that a $10 note had fallen out of your pocket, or that you could leave them in charge of your children with total peace of mind?
There is a danger in putting too much store in the kind of surveys and polls as this latest trust one. Any survey that ranks any number of sports stars and actors above, say, the commissioner of police must be called into question.
Let us celebrate and aspire to be like those on the list but not forget the people around us, our friends and family, who we trust to share our lives.