2008 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award launches

Alan Gibbs, Entrepreneur and long time supporter of Peter Blake, spoke to over 200 guests this week in Auckland. The event marks the opening of nominations for the 2008 Leadership Awards. Alan's presentation touched on the leadership qualities of Sir Peter and the characteristics that make a great leader.

Criteria for the awards are based on demonstration of outstanding leadership as well as displaying characteristics such as a willingness to learn, a desire for constant improvement, determination and will to succeed, empowering team mates and having fun. Two categories are presented: The Blake Medal for sustained outstanding leadership and six Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Awards for those aged around 25-40 years.

For nomination forms visit: www.sirpeterblaketrust.org/leadership

More national launches

More launch events are happening around the country over April. To book tickets please visit the following sites:

Tauranga

8^th April with Brad Cooper and Sarah Trotman: visit www.tauranga.org.nz

Wellington

10^th April with Brad Cooper and Justin Vaughan: visit www.transtasmanbusiness.co.nz

Palmerston North

10^th April with Martin Snedden and Tim O'Connor: visit www.pnbhs.school.nz

Christchurch

15^th April with Paul Callaghan and Glen Sowry: email linda.lilley@sheffield.co.nz

Queenstown

16^th April with Paul Callaghan and Glen Sowry: email breakfast@queenstownchamber.org.nz

Red Socks

Purchase a pair of official Sir Peter Blake Trust socks and support our Care for our Coast programme. Adult socks are $10.00 and children’s $7.00 per pair. Visit http://www.sirpeterblaketrust.org/support/item/red_socks/

Schools around the country are committing to cleaning up our coastline as well as learning about how to care for our natural environment. Many will be celebrating this educational unit with a Red Socks Day on Friday 18^th April. If you would like to get your local school involved email Laura on lauraf@sirpeterblaketrust.org

Antarctic Youth Ambassador

Applications for our 2008 programme are now open. Jay Piggott, 2007 Ambassador stated, "Antarctica was truly wonderful to behold. The harshness and fragility of the place is both frightening and amazing. Going there was a physical and emotional rollercoaster ride from start till finish."

Open to 18-25 year olds, the programme allows the opportunity to work with Antarctica New Zealand and the Trust on an environmental programme that will make a real contribution to our future, visit http://www.sirpeterblaketrust.org/environment/antarctic_youth_ambassador/ and http://www.antarcticyouthambassador.blogspot.com/ to read more on Jay’s experience on the ice, and to down load an application form.

Green Tip of the Month

If you are in need of an alternative to plastic products view: www.edengreennz.com/CornstarchStore.html for their range of biodegradable and compostable items.