Opposition Leader Bill English today paid tribute to New Zealand yachtsman and environmentalist Sir Peter Blake.

"Sir Peter had the respect of every New Zealander because he had outstanding achievements but at the same time a warm and understated character. He was the way New Zealanders would like to see themselves.

"He also gave the whole country a sense that it could beat the world with passion and ingenuity, and that we could be much more. He had a way of making New Zealanders feel comfortable about extraordinary success.

"He was a great ambassador for the country and someone New Zealanders have always followed with pride as he attained formidable achievements in winning world races and circumnavigating the world.

"Sir Peter's work in recent years in protecting the world's waterways illustrated his concern for the environment which he had spent so much time challenging and enjoying.

"Sir Peter's death is a terrible shock and great loss for New Zealanders. National extends its sympathies to Sir Peter's family, especially his wife Pippa and his two children," Mr English said.

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