2013 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award winners announced

Media release

July 5, 2013

2013 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award winners announced

The Governor-General, Lt. Gen. The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, and a host of New Zealand’s most celebrated leaders came together last evening to honour six new Blake Leaders, and the 2013 Blake Medalist, at a glittering ceremony for the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards.

The Blake Medal was presented to Judge Michael (Mick) Brown by Lady Pippa Blake, who is patron of the Sir Peter Blake Trust. Lady Pippa spoke to more than 200 guests at Auckland’s Town Hall about Judge Brown’s incredible career and significant contribution to New Zealand. Judge Brown is considered to be one of the country’s most pioneering individuals, whose highly influential leadership dramatically changed the juvenile court system and greatly improved outcomes for individuals and families.

During his time as New Zealand’s first Principal Youth Court Judge, Judge Brown was personally responsible for much of the philosophy and development of the new youth court justice system, which has been replicated throughout the world.

Earlier in the evening, Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards were presented to six of New Zealand’s most exceptional emerging leaders, including: Dr Lance O’Sullivan, a prominent Kaitaia-based GP; Minnie Baragwanath, CEO and Founder of Be. Accessible; Louise Anaru, Principal of Flaxmere College; Dr Joe Harrop, Programme Director for the Sistema Aotearoa music programme; Beatrice Faumuina, CEO of BEST Leadership Academy and Nicola Ngarewa, Principal of Tamatea High School.

During the evening, the Governor-General and a number of celebrated New Zealand leaders, including Chris Mace and current Blake Leaders, Rachel Taulelei, Gary Wilson, and Chris Quin, spoke about how leadership requires more than simply excelling in your chosen field. Often it requires people to step up and address areas critical to the country’s future success.

Sir Peter Blake Trust CEO, Shelley Campbell, commented, “This year’s award winners have demonstrated a significant contribution to future proofing New Zealand society. What is evident is that women, Maori and Pacific leaders are assuming key leadership roles in greater numbers than ever before and achieving remarkable results. This is suggesting that the investment in diversity and cultural leadership capability, over the last decade, is beginning to pay dividends.”

Ms Campbell added, “Our newest Blake Leaders and Blake Medalist will become part of a network of individuals which have been identified as being among New Zealand’s greatest leaders, as well as leaders that are fantastic role models, with the potential to achieve even more for their communities and for New Zealand. As a member of the Sir Peter Blake Trust network they will have the opportunity to be included in future leadership activities and forums, environmental expeditions and awards events, where they are able to further network with other Blake Leaders and Medalists. Being part of this exceptional network will allow our new leaders to forge strong and effective bonds, which will help them to advance their own causes and leadership development even further.”

The Sir Peter Blake Trust Leadership Awards mark the beginning of the annual Leadership Week, which runs from 5-12 July, and concludes with Red Socks Day on Friday 12 July.

Full citations for the 2013 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Award winners, as well as further details on 2013 Leadership Week activities, are available on the Sir Peter Blake Trust website - http://www.sirpeterblaketrust.org

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