Blake's vision to live on

By CLAIRE TREVETT

A trust has been set up to ensure that others will continue Sir Peter Blake's vision for the world's oceans.

The Sir Peter Blake Trust was launched yesterday at Sir Peter's old school, Takapuna Grammar, with initial Government funding of $3.8 million . It will foster adventure, environmental education and leadership.

Working in partnership with the ministries of Education and the Environment, the trust also gained the approval of Lady Pippa Blake, who is a trustee.

"Peter would never have referred to himself as a great leader, but he was honoured that others thought this of him," his widow said.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said the trust commemorated Sir Peter's achievements and ensured that his work for the environment would continue.

The trust is separate from the Auckland City Council's controversial Maritime Museum project to commemorate Sir Peter, which also has Government backing.

The Government set aside the $3.8 million to set up the trust in April 2002.

Some of that money will be set aside as capital to generate interest, and a portion will be used to run programmes.

A Blake Medal will be awarded for outstanding leadership and there will be an awards programme, to build leadership skills in its recipients in the years after they finish their formal education.

Together with the Ministry for the Environment, the trust will also offer an annual fellowship which is intended to allow an environmental educator to take a year's paid leave to further his or her studies.

The trust is also sponsoring three schoolchildren to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Children's Conference in Connecticut next month. Sir Peter was made a UNEP Envoy in 2001.

* Donations to the trust can be made at any Westpac branch.

Sir Peter Blake Trust