Trust launched to commemorate Sir Peter Blake's life and deeds

The life and the environmental work of New Zealand yachting legend Sir Peter Blake is to live on in a charitable trust launched today in his name.

Prime Minister Helen Clark launched the Sir Peter Blake Trust at the secondary school the sailor attended in Auckland, Takapuna Grammar School.

Among those present was Sir Peter's widow, Pippa, Lady Blake.

The trust's aim is to develop programmes to allow young New Zealanders "to make a difference in the world" by learning about environmental issues and developing leadership skills.

Last year, the Cabinet agreed to set aside $3.8 million to establish the initial capital for the venture.

Sir Peter, a Whitbread round-the-world race winner who led Team New Zealand's successful challenge for the America's Cup in 1995, was shot dead by pirates in Brazil in late 2001.

At the time, he was on his yacht the Seamaster on an environmental expedition on the Amazon. He was 51.

Helen Clark said today that the trust would commemorate Sir Peter's outstanding life, character and achievements, and ensure his environmental work continued.

"Sir Peter achieved fame through his achievements as a courageous and skilful yachtsman," she said.

"But at the time of his tragic death, Sir Peter was channelling his energies into building awareness of the importance of our natural heritage."

Helen Clark met Sir Peter and the Seamaster crew when she made a trip to the Amazon.

Lady Blake is one of seven trustees, who also include Brazilian Ambassador Sergio Serra.

Lady Blake said she wanted the trust to be a living memorial and hoped all New Zealanders would support and use it.

"Peter would have wanted something filled with life, that would provide young people with the sort of opportunities and inspiration that his own early years in New Zealand gave him."

Among the trust's first projects are a leadership medal and a leadership development programme.

It is also sending three students to the United Nations Environment Programme's Children's Conference in Connecticut next month.

Three chosen are Sean Farrell of Whangarei, Jarrod Coutts of Nelson and Tumo Stoffegen of Takaka.

Another initiative is an annual fellowship for "an outstanding environmental educator" to take part in an environmental adventure.

Donations to the trust can be made through Westpac bank branches.

Trust organisers said the venture was different from but complementary to the interactive exhibition planned as a tribute to Sir Peter at the National Maritime Museum in Auckland.

- NZPA