James Blake (right) University of Otago student and the son
of Sir Peter Blake (left), launches the Sir Peter Blake
Trust Leadership Awards nomination season in Dunedin last
night. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
Walking in his father's footsteps is no bad thing for
James Blake.
The 24-year-old has inherited Sir Peter Blake's passion for
the environment and love of sailing and is furthering his
knowledge by studying at the University of Otago.
One year into a master's degree in science communication and
natural history film qualification, he now calls Dunedin his
"home in New Zealand".
The Blake family moved to the United Kingdom about 12 years
ago and, while apprehensive about moving to Dunedin after
being told the weather was "cold and they burn couches", he
now says, "I love it down here."
His attraction to studying on the other side of the world was
twofold - the quality of the course and the desire to
"experience New Zealand by myself".
Drawing from his environmentalist father and artist mother,
Pippa, Lady Blake, Mr Blake is set on spending his life
making films.
This year's project involves making a 25-minute film which he
chose to base on an environmental artist in Wanaka.
He has also just secured sponsorship for a "big project",
which he hopes will raise money to build the world's largest
artificial reef in Borneo, an area he travelled in before
moving to New Zealand.
The reefs in Borneo have been destroyed by "dynamite fishing"
and communities dependent on fishing were struggling.
Mr Blake combined his love of film with his interest in
sailing in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race recently, with not
such positive results as his camera went overboard with a
crew member.
In Dunedin last night, he launched the nomination season for
the Sir Peter Blake Trust Leadership Awards.
The trust was formed in 2005, following the death of Sir
Peter, the man he calls his "hero", at the hands of pirates
while on an environmental expedition in South America in
2001.
The awards recognise the achievements of leaders who add
value to the nation and Mr Blake was pleased that his
father's legacy lived on to help "inspire, motivate and
develop" other leaders.
The Blake Medal celebrates a New Zealander who has made an
outstanding contribution to the country; the Sir Peter Blake
Emerging Leader Award recognises and encourages six younger
leaders of potential.
They will be conferred on July 1, the first day of the
trust's leadership week.
ellie.constantine@odt.co.nz
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