Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister for Sport and Recreation

26 May 2006 Media Statement

Waterfront tribute to life of Sir Peter Blake

Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard today confirmed government’s support for the tribute exhibition Blue Water Black Magic – an exhibition celebrating the life and achievements of Sir Peter Blake and the history of New Zealand yachting.

The government also re-confirmed its contribution of $2.5 million towards the project.

“This is a major project commemorating in an engaging, interactive and inspiring way the life and achievements of a great New Zealander. It also tells Sir Peter’s story in the context of the larger story of sailing in New Zealand and of our innovative and extremely successful yacht designers. This will be a story that will develop over time within the exhibition.

“The tribute to Sir Peter is an important New Zealand story about leadership and resolve and is one that will encourage young people to aspire to great things,” Trevor Mallard said today.

The tribute marks a first-time partnership between the New Zealand National Maritime Museum in Auckland and The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

NZL 32 Black Magic was gifted to Te Papa by Team New Zealand and is at the centre of the exhibition.

“It was Sir Peter’s wish that this most significant national icon should come into the national collection and be displayed publicly,” Trevor Mallard said.

The design of the tribute exhibition has been modified since it was first announced in 2003. Consequently, costs have been reduced considerably but the exhibition and the stories it tells are largely unchanged.

“I want to congratulate the staff of both museums for this achievement,” Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

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