Sir Peter Blake Environmental Educator Award

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The award, developed by the Trust in partnership with the Ministry of Education, and vital administrative support from the Royal Society of New Zealand, enables Dr McMillan to be released from teaching in 2008 to pursue an environmental project.

Dr McMillan will be working with host, University of Otago on a project geared around engaging and educating people towards environmentally sustainable living, with the Kaikorai catchment as his project site.

A co-ordinated approach will be taken to link schools, iwi, public, businesses and industry, local regional councils and the scientific community to support integrated catchment management that is mutually accommodating.

"It is a thrill to be selected for this prestigious award. I am mindful of the legacy of Sir Peter and his commitment to environmental work. I am greatly looking forward to trying to continue such work and help others to understand how they can act to make a difference to the environment in which they live." Simon said.

A criterion for the award is that each project will make an important contribution to the conservation of our natural environment. One of the aims of the award also specified it had to provide a significant opportunity to develop experience and capability as an environmental educator.

Environmental Programme Manager of the Trust, Laura Fayerman, says, "The Environmental Educator Award gives the recipient one of the most important resources of all - time, to enable them to develop and implement a worthwhile environmental project. The Trust is excited about Simon's project and the impact it could have on the local community."

The Sir Peter Blake Trust aims to empower New Zealanders to make a positive difference to the environment.

Sir Peter Blake was passionate and committed to delivering the message that the earth is a unique and beautiful place.  The Trust aims to carry on this passion to educate people about our environment and the Sir Peter Blake Environmental Educator Award is an important initiative in making this happen.

The objectives of the award are:

• To provide a unique professional development opportunity to research New Zealand's marine environment and coastal resources;
• To promote the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources;
• To share the enhanced knowledge of New Zealand's marine environment and coastal resources with colleagues, students and others in the general community, to develop an awareness and a sense of responsibility.

For more information on how to apply for the 2009 Award, please contact:

Laura Fayerman,

The award is administered and managed by the Royal Society of New Zealand.