BLAKE today announces new categories for its annual BLAKE Awards, strengthening a renewed focus on environmental leadership as nominations open.
For two decades, the annual BLAKE Awards have recognized people whose leadership has delivered high-impact results across a broad range of society. Now in its 21st year, the BLAKE Awards, supported by Westpac, are evolving to spotlight environmental leadership – a change that honors Sir Peter Blake’s legacy while aligning more closely with the organisation’s work over the last 20 years.
Pippa, Lady Blake notes how fitting the timing is for a shift towards greater environmental recognition.
“As BLAKE last year reached its 20-year-milestone, it’s been heartwarming to see the ways in which people now incorporate sustainable practices and environmental thinking into all areas of their lives, businesses and communities. As we all work towards protecting our planet for the generations to come, it is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the pioneers that find ways to do this in an ever-changing global environment,” she says.
BLAKE CEO James Gibson says the new direction for the Awards, which has honored exceptional New Zealanders for 20 years, better fits with the direction and work of BLAKE.
” We’ve refreshed the categories to now highlight key areas where leaders are making a positive environmental difference across a broad range of society, while keeping the same format for the evening that everyone’s familiar with and grown to love over the years,” he explains.
The BLAKE Medal will remain the supreme award and will celebrate one person whose leadership has helped create a more sustainable future for New Zealand.
Following this, the six BLAKE Awards will each take on a specific focus, celebrating individuals making a difference through their environmental leadership across a range of fields.
The six categories will be as below;
- Pūtaiao/Science – Recognising a leader in the research and scientific field, including leaders in Māori methods.
- Pakihi Auaha/Business – Recognising a leader in developing solutions through innovative or entrepreneurial action, likely to be in a business or social enterprise context.
- Pouako / Communication & Education – Recognising a leader contributing to environmental progress through effective communication, including education and knowledge sharing.
- Poutoko Hapori / Community – Recognising a leader contributing to the environment through their work with and in their community, including Māori settings.
- Rangatahi / Youth – Recognising a young person (24 and under) demonstrating significant environment leadership.
- Ngā Kura / Schools – The only ‘group award’ – this is for a school/kura making a significant impact with their delivery of environmental education. Schools of any age group are welcome to be nominated.
“The new categories ensure comprehensive recognition of qualities in the environmental sector and sets the BLAKE Awards apart from other ceremonies in a way which continues Sir Peter Blake’s legacy in shaping the way New Zealander’s think about the environment,” Gibson explains.
The BLAKE Awards not only honor outstanding leaders, but they also serve as a catalyst to inspire future generations.
The nomination process opens today and will run until 14 June 2025. The team at BLAKE encourages you to share the word with friends, whanau, and colleagues.
Visit https://www.blakenz.org/programmes/blake-awards/ for more information and to submit a nomination.
Notes to the editor:
About BLAKE:
Sir Peter Blake was New Zealand’s most celebrated yachtsman who led his team and New Zealand to victory in both the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race and the America’s Cup. He was also a passionate and relentless champion for the environment, having spent his life on the ocean.
Following his sailing career he turned his focus to helping protect the environment and raising awareness of the issues it faces by voyaging to “environmental pulse points of the planet” and sharing what he discovered. Onboard his exploration vessel, Seamaster, Peter and his crew visited Antarctica to look at the impacts of climate change, and then to the Amazon to look at the impacts of deforestation.
Tragically, Sir Peter was killed while carrying out this work. His death cut short his vision to inspire millions of people around the world to care more about the environment and take action to protect it.
The Sir Peter Blake Trust (BLAKE) was established in 2004 and is dedicated to continuing his environmental leadership legacy.
BLAKE in 2025
In 2018 BLAKE embarked on a renewed strategy – to focus on environmental leadership, especially with the country’s youth.
Each year BLAKE aims to inspire thousands of young New Zealanders to care for the environment through activities and adventures that encourage environmental awareness and leadership, and instill a deeper sense of kaitiakitanga within them.
Like Sir Peter Blake, at the core of all BLAKE’s programmes and events are a spirit of adventure, participation and exploration.
