Widow's worries stop Blake statue

By CATHERINE MASTERS

Plans to erect a memorial statue of Sir Peter Blake have been delayed as his family come to terms with his death.

Lady Pippa Blake was concerned that a statue would not look like him, and did not like the idea of birds "shitting on his head", said Auckland City councillor Scott Milne, who heads a subcommittee looking at ways to honour Sir Peter.

Mr Milne said he had received abusive mail from people who were angry that nearly a year after Sir Peter's death, no statue had been erected and Viaduct Harbour had not been renamed Blake Harbour.

An outpouring of letters to the Herald after his death showed these were the most popular options.

Mr Milne asked people to be patient. A statue was still possible, but renaming the harbour was not sensible while New Zealand retained the America's Cup.

Credit card company American Express paid to call the harbour the American Express Viaduct Harbour and Lady Pippa believed Sir Peter would spin in his grave if he thought the harbour was being renamed to the detriment of Team New Zealand.

Mr Milne said several ideas for "something grand" had yet to be put to Lady Pippa.

The Government will not reveal what it plans as a memorial, other than to say it is working on a memorial trust.

Sports Minister Trevor Mallard said an announcement would be made once details were finalised.

Team New Zealand sailors have their own memorial on the two new America's Cup boats - and say that if people look closely when racing is on they may be able to spot it.

Barry McKay, a veteran of cup campaigns, would not say what part of the boat it was on, but that the camera would pick it up sooner or later.

"Guys that have sailed with him just wanted to recognise him and add that something special," he said.

The team would never forget Sir Peter. "His spirit is a strength we can draw upon in times of difficulty ... He's with us."

Herald feature: Peter Blake, 1948-2001