ACT unreservedly supports the parliamentary motion expressing sadness at the death of Sir Peter Blake and offering condolences to Lady Pippa Blake and family, Acting Leader Hon Ken Shirley said today.

"Sir Peter Blake displayed courage and passion throughout his life. He set high standards and achievement goals, pursuing them with determination and conviction.

"The whole country mourns his death. He was not just a prominent sportsman, but an outstanding citizen and ambassador for our nation. He challenged himself and every New Zealander to strive harder.

"His untimely death at the hands of murderous pirates was both tragic and senseless, ending his new ventures and pursuits addressing global environmental issues.

"Sir Peter Blake was - and is - a New Zealand hero and will provide lasting inspiration for future generations," Mr Shirley said.

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Gordon Campbell: On the Sony cyber attack

Given the layers of meta-irony involved, the saga of the Sony cyber attack seemed at the outset more like a snarky European art film than a popcorn entry at the multiplex.

Yet now with (a) President Barack Obama weighing in on the side of artistic freedom and calling for the US to make a ‘proportionate response’quickly followed by (b) North Korea’s entire Internet service going down, and with both these events being followed by (c) Sony deciding to backtrack and release The Interview film that had made it a target for the dastardly North Koreans in the first place, then ay caramba…the whole world will now be watching how this affair pans out. More>>