Welcome to our update for May.

Much work has been going on over the past month including the launch of the 2007 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards. Nominations are now open for both The Blake Medal and the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Awards. Nominations are made online at www.sirpeterblaketrust.organd we are particularly interested in encouraging nominations from the areas of society where leadership is perhaps less recognised and rewarded. We know for example, that we have great leaders working in the community services, education or youth development areas. Perhaps you know someone who has made a major contribution, who has inspired others and created or developed an entity that is making a major difference in society. We encourage you to consider nominating them. The recognition and encouragement that an award like this can give to these people  is not only deserved, but can be a major boost to their energy and motivation. Please think about nominating someone who inspires you.

New Zealand Leadership Week will be held from 28 July to 3 August this year. Coordinated by the Sir Peter Blake Trust in partnership with Excelerator, the NZ Institute of Management and Leadership NZ we encourage organisations who have an interest in leadership to become a part of the week and to contribute by hosting and event or activity.

The Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum will be held in Wellington from 1 - 5 July this year. Regional Councils throughout the country have been involved in selecting their delegates (15-17 years of age) to represent their region. The Forum is a partnership between the Ministry for the Environment and the Sir Peter Blake Trust. Delegates this year will be working on projects related to the themes of climate change, waste management and invasive species.

Antarctic Youth Ambassador applications now closed:
As expected there has been great interest in this wonderful opportunity and a large number of applications have been received. The Selection Panel from Antarctica New Zealand the the Sir Peter Blake Trust will be shortlisting applicants by 25 May and making the selection of the inaugural recipient by early June.

During April we farewelled the Brazilian Ambassador to New Zealand, His Excellency Sergio Serra, who has served as one of our Trustees. We welcome Acting Ambassador Sergio Taam to the position.

Finally, this month is a big one for the Louis Vuitton Cup in Valencia. Team New Zealand has successfully reached the semi-finals and by the end of this month we will know if they are in the finals. We wish the entire team all the best - Go Team New Zealand!

Regards

Mark Orams, Vicki Watson and Laura Fayerman

Sir Peter Blake Ambassadors selected as World finalists in environmental competition:
Sir Peter Blake Ambassadors Brittany Packer and Sophie Turner, together with friend Abby Ward, formed an environmental group called "Green Teens" and their "plastic not so fantastic" programme has been selected as one of the world's best youth environmental initiatives.
:: Read More ::

Sir Peter Blake Environmental Educator Awards applications close 13 June:
How's a year off on full pay to pursue an environmental project sound? If you are a teacher who is passionate about the environment apply now! :: Read More ::

Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards nominations close 31 May: Make a nomination online.
:: Read More ::



New Zealand Geographic's May/June edition is now out. It features the Trust's regular column, this issue focussing on the need to create sea champions - or advocates for marine conservation. :: Read More ::