Over the next ten days - 3news.co.nz will publish its top ten New Zealanders of the year. They are in no particular order and we have tried to select people from varying backgrounds - the common theme is that they have, in one way or another, gone above and beyond the call of duty.
Opinion by Jerram Watts
Love him or hate him, Joe Karam’s loyalty and determination to see something he believes in through to the end is admirable.
He was, and is, David Bain’s biggest supporter.
It cost him a lot; but Mr Karam stuck with Mr Bain throughout the retrial, proclaiming his innocence over and over.
David Bain served 13 years in prison for the murder of his father, brother and sisters; but was acquitted after a retrial.
After walking out of the courtroom John Campbell caught up with David Bain and Joe Karam.
Mr Bain said it was Mr Karam’s support that got him through.
Joe Karam said 13 years ago he barely thought about the case.
“Put your finger in the water and you never know what might happen,” he said.
“Really, it was David’s friends, what captured my attention wasn’t David’s plight, it was the fact that his friends were standing on the side of the road selling preserves, or whatever they were doing, to raise money to fight for his innocence. I was captured by the fact that they were so devoted to him – and I was wanting to help them, not David,” he said.
Compelled to act with compassion, propelled by the compassion he witnessed from David Bain’s friends; Joe Karam stuck with Mr Bain through thick and thin, through every court trial, hearing, appeal and appearance, against foes and lawyers, media and haters.
Whether you feel Mr Bain was guilty or not, Mr Karam’s actions are worthy of praise.