NZ at its best

This has to be one of my favourite stories of the year, to me, it shows NZers at our best. Our need to invent things in this country because of our distance from the rest of the world has led to some brilliant ideas, and when those brilliant ideas are aimed at helping others, I honestly believe we show the best sides of our national character.

Low-tech filter turns muck to drinking water
A water purification device developed in New Zealand that can operate without electricity could bring widespread benefits around the world.

Christchurch inventor Russell Kelly has also caught the eye of Nasa, which has been so impressed with his invention it has allowed him to use its iodine technology (used for treating waste) and Certified Space Foundation brand - as it believes the devices will have a "significant beneficial impact on mankind".

"I didn't realise what a big deal it was at the time," said Mr Kelly, who set out four years ago to create filter systems that could be used in remote areas with badly polluted water supplies.