Peter Blake's Son Launches Antarctic Scheme

Sunday 21 January 2007

Prime Minister And Sir Peter Blake's Son Launch Scheme For New Zealand Youth In Antarctica

Prime Minister Helen Clark and James Blake, son of New Zealand adventurer and yachtsman Sir Peter Blake, today launched a new initiative to help young New Zealanders fulfil their environmental passions in Antarctica.

The Antarctic Youth Ambassador programme, a partnership between Antarctica New Zealand and the Sir Peter Blake Trust, was launched at Cape Royds in Antarctica as part of the 50th anniversary of Scott Base. Sir Edmund Hillary, Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore and Antarctic scientists attended the event.

The programme hopes to engage young New Zealanders in Antarctic environmental issues such as climate change, assessing the environmental impact of the area and helping to monitor and protect endangered species and protected areas.

Ms Clark, who has been in Antarctica since Thursday to help celebrate Scott Base's 50th year, says the programme is a great tribute to avid environmentalist Sir Peter Blake.

"It is fitting that in Sir Peter's honour, the programme will provide opportunities for young New Zealanders to further his Antarctic passion and love of the natural environment, and to contribute to managing and preserving this amazing continent."

Each year, the Antarctic Youth Ambassador programme will see one New Zealander, aged 18 - 25 years, work on Antarctica New Zealand's environmental initiatives and act as an ambassador to help others based on their experiences.

Sir Peter's son James (20), currently in Antarctica working on a project to conserve and restore the bases of the first explorers in Antarctica, says the programme is something his father would be very proud of.

"Dad developed a real passion for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean as a result of his many world sailing expeditions. He fulfilled a long-held dream when he visited the Antarctic Peninsula onboard Seamaster in 2001. I know he would be very excited about this programme. It's a wonderful opportunity".

Each year the Antarctic Youth Ambassador will be placed with Antarctica New Zealand during the summer months and work as part of the environmental team. This may include work based at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch, at Scott Base in Antarctica or in other Antarctic locations for which Antarctica New Zealand has responsibility.

The Antarctic Youth Ambassador programme is open to all New Zealand residents aged 18-25 years at time of application. Applications close Friday, May 4 2007 and can be downloaded online at www.sirpeterblaketrust.org or www.antarcticanz.govt.nz.

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