Blake exhibition tribute

MAYOR’S OFFICE
AUCKLAND CITY

Moving Auckland Forward

19 May 2003

Blake exhibition tribute

The reassertion of total support for the major interactive National Maritime Museum exhibition honouring Sir Peter Blake will pave the way for successful fund raising, said Auckland’s Mayor, John Banks.

The project had been rescued from a deliberate campaign to scuttle it launched by the New Zealand Herald, which had repeatedly branded it a “glass coffin.”

Mr Banks said in years to come New Zealand would be thankful for the resolve shown by the Blake family, Te Papa, the maritime museum and Auckland.

In its lifetime, it would draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the downtown viaduct area.

“The plan is – and always has been – for an interactive exhibition that will be a source of pride, inspiration and hope for every New Zealander.

Mr Banks said it’s also economic good sense and will be welcomed by the business community – as a showcase for our world class boat builders, mariners, high achievers and a centre of economic activity and fun.

“We all have a chance now to put the sorry New Zealand Herald campaign aside and work together, as a nation, to build a living tribute of which we can all be proud,” concluded Mr Banks.

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