Funding confirmed for tribute to Sir Peter Blake

From City Scene, published on 11 May, 2008

Fitting tribute: Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Helen Clark and the Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks at last week’s announcement of the memorial to honour yachtsman Sir Peter Blake (bottom).

The Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks, welcomed last week's announcement that sufficient funding commitments are in place to create a memorial to honour yachtsman Sir Peter Blake.

The memorial will be called "Blue Water Black Magic - A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake". It will be built inside the NZ National Maritime Museum, include a history of New Zealand yachting, and have as its centrepiece NZL 32 Black Magic - the yacht that Team New Zealand, led by Sir Peter Blake, sailed to win the 1995 America's Cup.

"This will be a fitting tribute to Sir Peter Blake and leave a lasting impression on the Aucklanders and visitors to our city who see it. The memorial will dramatically improve the waterfront experience for decades to come," Mr Banks says. "The council's commitment to provide up to $2 million towards the project has been matched by similar funding commitments from government and the private sector."

Since its opening, the council has provided annual funding to the Maritime Museum - with an $850,000 grant planned for the 2008/2009 year, so it can continue to provide a maritime learning experience for Aucklanders and city visitors to enjoy.

Last year the council also purchased the land and wharves under the museum as part of its plans to ensure future public access to the waterfront.