A stamp issue commemorating the life of famed Kiwi yachtsman and conservationist, the late Sir Peter Blake, is being released by New Zealand Post to coincide with Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum’s exhibition, Blue Water Black Magic – A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake.

An extremely passionate New Zealander, Sir Peter Blake (1948-2001) achieved success at many different levels – as an inspirational leader, a skilled yachtsman, a record breaker and as an ardent environmentalist.

"We are very honoured to recognise the lifetime achievements of Sir Peter through this special stamp release," said Ivor Masters, New Zealand Post General Manager Stamps Business.

New Zealand Post worked closely with Lady Pippa Blake, Peter Montgomery, Bob Fisher, Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum and Te Papa Tongarewa in the development of this stamp issue.

The stamp issue captures five aspects of Sir Peter's life, with each image telling a unique story of his successes.

The 50 cent stamp is a portrait of Sir Peter and recognises his leadership and his ability to empower those around him.

The $1.00 stamp shows him at the helm of his 1989–1990 Whitbread Steinlager 2 yacht in which he gained an unprecedented perfect performance with line, handicap and overall honours for all six legs of the Whitbread Round the World Race.
 
In 1994 Sir Peter and his co-skipper, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, were the inaugural winners of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) World Sailor of the Year Award after breaking the world record for the Jules Verne Challenge. This feat is recognised on the $1.80 stamp.

On the $2.30 stamp he is pictured in 1995 with international sport's oldest trophy, the America's Cup, after he led Team New Zealand in bringing the Cup to New Zealand for the first time.

The $2.80 stamp honours his work as an environmentalist, generating public awareness of environment threats, particularly to water. After creating his own organisation, blakexpeditions, and being appointed a United Nations Environment Programme Special Envoy in 2001, his journey was tragically cut short when he was shot and killed by pirates in the Amazon River.

ENDS

The Sir Peter Blake stamp range consists of the five stamps, first day covers, a miniature sheet, a presentation pack and a Limited Edition publication (featuring personal commentary from internationally renowned yachting journalist, Bob Fisher). The presentation pack also includes a complimentary ticket to visit the Blue Water Black Magic - A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake exhibition at Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland (opening 12 December 2009).

The stamp range is available for purchase from 25 November 2009 at all New Zealand PostShop outlets, the Wanganui Collectables and Solutions Centre, REAL Aotearoa stores in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and online at www.nzpost.co.nz/stamps.

For more information:
Ivor Masters     
General Manager Stamps   
Tel:  04 496 4420    
Fax: 04 496 4033    
Email: ivor.masters@nzpost.co.nz

James Te Puni
Sales and Marketing Manager
Tel:  04 496 4522
Mob:  027 226 1435
Email: james.tepuni@nzpost.co.nz