For more than two decades, the BLAKE Awards have recognised New Zealanders whose leadership has delivered impact across all walks of life. Now, as we step into our 21st year, the BLAKE Awards evolve to honour our history while reflecting the future.
From 2025, the BLAKE Awards will exclusively celebrate environmental leadership – recognising those individuals and groups whose work contributes meaningfully to environmental sustainability, conservation, and a better future for Aotearoa.
This reorientation strengthens our commitment to the legacy of Sir Peter Blake: a leader who, in his lifetime, showed the world the power of courage, stewardship, and hope. It also reflects the deepening focus of BLAKE’s own mahi which is to inspire and build environmental leadership across generations.
At a time when the impacts of climate change are increasingly felt, when political and social divides threaten progress, and when many are looking for reasons to believe sustainability still matters, the BLAKE Awards light the way.
We honour the pioneers – the scientists, business innovators, communicators, community champions, rangatahi, and schools – whose leadership is shaping a future in which people and nature thrive together.
Inspired by Sir Peter Blake’s vision
Sir Peter believed that leadership could change the world. His legacy as an environmental advocate is woven into the fabric of who we are. In his later years, Sir Peter dedicated his life to protecting the natural world, voyaging through the Amazon, advocating for the oceans, and reminding us that if we don’t care for our environment, no one else will.
The newly reoriented BLAKE Awards honour this vision. They are a tribute to his belief that bold leadership, when aligned with the needs of our planet, can shape a better, more sustainable future for all.
By recognising today’s environmental leaders, we amplify the same spirit of exploration, courage, and stewardship that Sir Peter lived by. We affirm that leadership for our environment is the highest call to action of our times.
Recognising the new pioneers
Patron of BLAKE, Pippa, Lady Blake, notes the timing of this shift towards greater environmental recognition is fitting: “As we all work towards protecting our planet for future generations, it is more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the pioneers who find ways to do this in an ever-changing global environment.”
From this year the BLAKE Awards feature refreshed categories to highlight the broad range of leadership needed to achieve environmental progress. Our awards now celebrate leaders making a positive environmental difference in key areas of New Zealand society:
- Pūtaiao / Science – Recognising leaders advancing environmental knowledge through research, scientific innovation, and Māori methodologies
- Pakihi Auaha / Business – Honouring those creating solutions through innovative or entrepreneurial actions, often within business or social enterprise contexts
- Pouako / Communication and Education – Celebrating leaders advancing environmental progress through storytelling, education, and knowledge sharing
- Poutoko Hapori / Community – Recognising champions working within communities, including iwi and Māori-led initiatives, to drive environmental change
- Rangatahi / Youth – Celebrating young environmental leaders (aged 24 and under) demonstrating extraordinary passion and impact
- Ngā Kura / Schools – Acknowledging schools or kura making a significant difference through environmental education and action.
At the pinnacle remains the BLAKE Medal, awarded to one extraordinary individual whose leadership has created a more sustainable future for Aotearoa.
The refreshed awards ensure comprehensive recognition and set the BLAKE Awards apart, continuing to shape the way New Zealanders think about environmental leadership.
BLAKE Leadership Legacy
Since its inception in 2005, the BLAKE Awards have recognised 129 exceptional individuals whose visionary leadership has significantly shaped Aotearoa across a broad range of social and environmental initiatives. We continue to honour and celebrate those who have driven meaningful transformation, whilst moving forward with renewed purpose on environmental leadership.
Why environmental kaitiakitanga matters – now more than ever
The decision to focus the BLAKE Awards solely on environmental leadership comes at a crucial time.
Climate change is no longer a future threat; it is a daily reality for New Zealanders. Transparent reporting on climate action is now mandated across sectors. Yet globally, we are seeing political backslides, environmental risks escalating, and public trust fraying.
In these challenging times, we must lift leaders who inspire hope, demand accountability, and drive real change.
The BLAKE Awards stand as a beacon by reminding all New Zealanders that leadership rooted in sustainability matters deeply, and that there are trailblazers among us who are safeguarding our future.
Our commitment: Celebrating and inspiring future generations
Beyond recognition, the BLAKE Awards are a catalyst. They fuel inspiration for the next generation of environmental leaders; the rangatahi, the communities, and the innovators who will continue this vital work.
By telling the stories of our awardees, we invite all Kiwis to see what is possible, to be motivated to act, and to believe in their own power to make a difference.
With nominations now open for 2025, we invite everyone to help us find these remarkable leaders. Share their stories. Celebrate their mahi. And together, let’s amplify environmental leadership across Aotearoa New Zealand – now, and for generations to come.
The nomination process is easy.
Click the link below and choose whether you are nominating a school or individual.
