Blake's Harbour top choice for readers

By AINSLEY THOMSON

Renaming the Viaduct Basin in honour of Sir Peter Blake and erecting a statue to him are the clear favourites of people who sent suggestions for a memorial to the Herald.

More than 200 of the 559 people who sent suggestions believed this would be the most appropriate memorial for Sir Peter, who was shot dead by pirates last week when they boarded his yacht the Seamaster on the Amazon River. The 53-year-old was New Zealand's best-known sailor and one of our sporting legends.

Among the flood of responses, Mark Brueggemann from the US sent an e-mail: "Sir Peter did more for the sport of sailing than any person in the world. But the way he went about his business and used his accomplishments and experience to attain even loftier goals made him much more than a sportsman. It made him an outstanding representative for New Zealand, and a role model for all of us."

Although it is clear that renaming the Viaduct Basin and erecting a statue is the most popular idea, there is not a consensus about what the new name should be.

Some of the suggested names are: Blake's Harbour - the most popular choice; Sir Peter Blake's Quay; Petersport; Blake's Odyssey; Blake's Basin; Blake's Viaduct; Sir Peter Blake Village; Blake's Landing; and Blake's Haven.

Bob and Sylvia Clements would like to see it renamed Blake's Harbour "so that people in 100 years will know who he was, and erect a bronze statue at least 10-12 ft (3-3.5m) high".

Nick Read and his family also agree with a name change. "What meaning does the Viaduct Basin have anyway? The viaduct itself has gone, rendering the name obsolete. Let's give it a name that reflects its new role and the man whose vision created it."

Briar Millar would like to see a name change to Blake Harbour and a statue erected, only the statue would not be of the traditional mold. "Make him larger than life and make him wear his lucky red socks."

Lisette Collins from Hamilton is one of 53 people who believe it is important to continue with Sir Peter's environmental work. "If we have real respect for the man, if we believe in what he stood for, if we are willing to rally behind the causes he believed in and if we want to do something meaningful to honour his memory, we need to commit to protecting our coastal environment and creating a marine reserve network in his memory."

Many people, such as Di Murphy, believe the work of blakexpeditions should continue. "I feel that a trust should be set to ensure that the Seamaster and her team can continue their work. Protecting the environment for our children and children's children is a lot more important and urgent - and would be a fitting tribute to Sir Peter to continue his dream."

Yvette Kinsella from Lincoln University believes Sir Peter's life was not just about yachting - it was about making a difference.

"He died doing so. Let's remember and continue his stance to protect global environments."

Setting up a fund or scholarship to benefit the environment and young sailors received 34 messages of support.

Pat Hewson would like to see a trust established that would award an annual prize for an environmental project. "I would also like the trust to establish a youth sailing exchange between Auckland and Emsworth, where young sailors would gain new experiences and skills. I am sure Sir Peter would like that."

Naming a significant event, monument or landmark also has support, with 39 people sending in suggestions, and North Head a popular candidate.

Greg Kidd would like to see a huge statue about four stories high put on North Head. "He would be standing sentinel over the Hauraki Gulf, the Waitemata Harbour, Auckland City and Devonport Bayswater, areas where he grew up."

Rhys Hanna would like to see the name of North Head changed to Blake's Head. "Much of the boating public pass that point frequently and we would all be able to pay homage to a notable New Zealander each time we passed by."

Some people would like to see a marine reserve established. Gerard Slappendel from Glenbrook suggested naming a marine reserve after Sir Peter. "Or better still, create a marine reserve in his honour."

The concept of having Sir Peter's portrait on various dollar notes also has support.

Sheelah Dowd said Sir Peter would be remembered with his face on New Zealand currency. "People would be reminded of him every day, not just in New Zealand. When travelling overseas people will have a reminder of Sir Peter in their pocket."

There is long list of other ideas people have taken the time to send in.

Wouterus Gruijters and his father suggested a "lane of fame" be established leading to the War Memorial entrance of Auckland's Domain. "Statues of famous New Zealanders could slowly be added to the lane. This would not only commemorate famous New Zealanders, but also add interest to the area around the museum."

Doug Pankhurst suggested it was about time New Zealand's two main islands had a name change. "How about naming them after our two most famous New Zealanders - Blake Island and Hillary Island."

Lynne Hutchison from Torbay had the straightforward idea of renaming Team New Zealand the "All Blakes".

Full coverage:

Peter Blake, 1948-2001

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