Red socks still warm Kiwi hearts

Pippa, Lady Blake with boxes of her husband's red socks. Photo / Dean Purcell

The widow of Kiwi yachting legend Sir Peter Blake says red socks are still left by her husband's headstone in the UK.

Pippa, Lady Blake, in New Zealand for the 2015 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards, said she was "very touched" by the ongoing gesture, and said it demonstrated the impact one person can have with great leadership.

"I can't believe it's 20 years since the socks made their way into New Zealanders' hearts during that '95 America's Cup win.

A triumphant Sir Peter Blake celebrates Team New Zealand winning the America's Cup in 1995. Photo / NZ Herald Archive

"Since then they've become a symbol of leadership, particularly in young people.

"They're a focal point and a way to show these kids how they can make a difference, whether big or small," she said.

The Blake Medal and six Blake Leader Awards will be presented by Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae at a black-tie event at the Auckland Museum tonight, in front of 300 of New Zealand's leaders.

The 20th anniversary celebration of Red Socks Day is on July 3.