By Wright Communications - 7 December 2011
The announcement of ‘The Young Blake Expedition’ voyage to New Zealand’s remote northern Kermadec Islands on HMNZS Canterbury was the highlight of a moving tribute ceremony for Sir Peter Blake, who was tragically killed 10 years ago today.
Beside Sir Peter's beloved Waitemata Harbour, the
Governor-General Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae and Pippa,
Lady Blake announced an 11-day environmental expedition to the
Kermadec Islands next August for 30 New Zealand secondary school
students.
"While our hearts are touched with sadness today, I am sure Sir
Peter would be proud of the living legacy that his family and the
Sir Peter Blake Trust have created during the past decade," Sir
Jerry said.
"The Young Blake Expedition is a perfect example of this work,
with its focus on two things that were dear to Sir Peter -
increasing understanding of our fragile marine environment, and
providing a chance for young people to reach their potential.
"I'm envious of the 30 young Kiwis taking part in this
life-changing adventure. I'm sure Sir Peter would approve, and if
he was here today he would probably want to take the Canterbury's
helm as well."
The expedition will be led by The Sir Peter Blake Trust in
association with the Ministry for the Environment, the Royal New
Zealand Navy, Department of Conservation, Pew Environment Group,
Experiencing Marine Reserves and LEARNZ.
Sir Peter Blake Trust chief executive Shelley Campbell praised
the hard work of all who had contributed to bringing the expedition
to fruition, and said it would be one of the most memorable
milestones since the Trust's inception in 2004.
"We are proud to honour Sir Peter's memory today by being able
to announce a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to one of the most
unique and special places on the planet.
"The expedition aims to inspire an understanding of the global
significance of the Kermadec Islands and to encourage stewardship
of the Kermadec Marine Reserve. In the latter part of his life, the
plight of the planet's oceans was a huge concern to Sir Peter."
The lucky 30 students will be chosen from 50 attendees at next
year's Sir Peter Blake Youth EnviroLeaders' Forum, an event run in
partnership with the Ministry for the Environment for the last
eight years. They will be accompanied by a crew of subject experts,
scientists, artists, educators, communicators and leaders.
The Kermadec Islands are 800-1,000km north-east of New Zealand.
The 13 volcanic islands are a nature reserve managed
by the Department of Conservation
(DOC). Four DOC staff and up to
five volunteers are based on Raoul, the
largest island. The 745,000ha of ocean surrounding
the Kermadecs are protected as New Zealand's largest
marine reserve.
The expedition crew will have the opportunity to snorkel and
gain an understanding of the rich marine life of the Kermadecs.
They will experience life on Raoul Island and gain an insight into
the work of the DOC personnel, the Kermadecs' history, and the
group's wildlife and plants - many unique to the islands.
Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Tony Parr said the Royal New Zealand
Navy is proud to support the Sir Peter Blake Trust in the
development of our future leaders.
"The protection and defence of our maritime environment is a
significant part of the RNZN Mission, which has been enhanced with
the introduction of our Protector Fleet.
The trip to the Kermadec Islands displays the capabilities
provided by ships such as HMNZS Canterbury, and the versatility of
our fleet when co-operating with Government agencies."
Chris Mace, advisor to Sir Peter Blake Trust and founding
trustee, was on hand to unveil The Legacy, a special
publication which features the Trust's work to date, in front of
many of Sir Peter's closest friends and former crew mates.
"Peter touched so many people's lives, in so many places around
the world. We know they will be thinking about him today. I'm proud
to publically release The Legacy, which encapsulates in
just a few pages the impact he still has on all of us".
Editors notes :
Ministry for the Environment
The Sir Peter Blake Trust has added an extra dimension to the
Ministry supported Youth EnviroLeaders' Forum by focussing on the
environment and developing our future leaders. The Forum is an
opportunity for young people to take part in practical
environmental projects and to provide them with the skills and
experience to take action for the environment when they return to
their regions. The delegates selected are outstanding young
environmental leaders in their regions. The trip to the Kermadecs
is a unique opportunity for the young delegates to experience the
rich marine life of the islands and will provide an insight into
the work of the personnel based there.
Pew Environment Group
"We are honoured to work alongside the Sir Peter Blake Trust in
support of the youth voyage to the Kermadecs," said Bronwen Golder,
director of the Pew Environment Group's Kermadec Initiative.
"This visit to one of the last great ocean wilderness areas
on the planet will both inspire and challenge the next generation
of New Zealand leaders."
Experiencing Marine Reserves
"The Experiencing Marine Reserves Programme (EMR) offers
unique in-water experiential learning opportunities throughout New
Zealand. In its role as an expedition partner, EMR will be
providing leadership for the planned snorkelling experience and
experiential education framework."
Samara Nicholas, Programme Director
Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust - Experiencing Marine
Reserves
LEARNZ
"LEARNZ is delighted to have the opportunity to bring the Kermadec
Expedition live into primary schools around New Zealand. Over 4,000
primary school pupils will experience the fun, excitement and
adventure of the expedition through the eyes of student role models
on the expedition. The LEARNZ virtual expedition will result in
primary students building their skills and knowledge that supports
their ongoing outdoor activity."
Pete Sommerville, LEARNZ Project Director
Earth is a water planet on which the quality of water
defines the quality of life. Good water, good life. Poor Water,
poor life. No water, no life."
- Sir Peter Blake