As we conclude our exploration of the BLAKE’s 2024 Impact Report, it’s clear that BLAKE’s impact is fuelled by the strength of its partnerships. With the support of our valued partners, sponsors and supporters, we remain committed to expanding the reach of our...

The NZ-VR programme is revolutionizing environmental education in Aotearoa by bringing the wonders of its natural world directly into classrooms. This innovative programme allows students to explore remote and ecologically significant locations, fostering a deep...

Environmental leadership is at the core of BLAKE’s mission, and over the past two decades, the organization has developed a comprehensive approach to nurturing leaders in Aotearoa. Through programmes like BLAKE Inspire and BLAKE Expeditions, BLAKE has created pathways...

Twenty years ago, the legacy of one of New Zealand’s most iconic figures, Sir Peter Blake, took on a new life through the establishment of what is now known as BLAKE. Originally the Sir Peter Blake Trust, BLAKE was created to honour Sir Peter's passion for the...

In June this year, five teachers including myself had the opportunity to attend a BLAKE Expedition to Te Rua-o-te-moko/Fiordland aboard the beautiful yacht Breaksea Girl. We spent five days working alongside University of Otago Geophysicist Andrew Gorman and his team...

What inspired you to apply for the BLAKE Expeditions programme? I’ve always had a strong connection to the outdoors, growing up in Taranaki. The mountains, the beaches—nature has always been a big part of my life. As I got older, that connection turned into a passion...

Amber, a Year 12 student at Sacred Heart Girls' College in New Plymouth, has always had a deep love for the outdoors. Growing up in Taranaki, she spent her childhood exploring the mountain and swimming at the beach. Her connection with nature deepened when she joined...

Kia ora! I’m Irisa, an MSc student from the University of Auckland, and I recently had the incredible opportunity to serve as a BLAKE freshwater ambassador at NIWA Ruakura. Over two transformative weeks, I immersed myself in the world of aquatic pollution mitigation,...

BLAKE Explorers has been successfully piloted in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, offering an unforgettable three-day immersive experience for intermediate-aged students. As a reminder, we invite a school that has experienced NZ-VR to select 20 students and 2 teachers...

The day before we returned to Wellington I saw the mainland for the first time in 1 month. We cruised up the south island and past Kaikoura, watching sun rays filtering through clouds - a welcome light after a stormy morning. A pod of ~30 common dolphins swam around...

Kia ora, I’m Lottie –  I’m doing my postgrad in Geology at the University of Canterbury, Te Whare Wananga o Waitaha. As the 2024 Blake GNS Ambassador, I got the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes in a major research project around Whakaari. Safe to say...

On it’s 20th anniversary, BLAKE (formerly the Sir Peter Blake Trust) is celebrating two decades of work dedicated to empowering New Zealanders to commit to a sustainable future for Aotearoa and continuing the environmental leadership legacy of one of the world’s most...