Media Release
1 April 2004
James Blake Unveils Father’s Words On Wall Of Words At Kiwi Income Property Trust’s Vero Centre
“If it’s not hard, it’s not worth doing”
Auckland - James Blake, son of the late Sir Peter Blake, last evening unveiled a tribute to his father at the Vero
Centre, in Auckland.
Words immortalised by his father - “If it’s not hard, it’s not worth doing” - were inscribed in the Wall of Words, a
major artwork in the lobby of the Vero Centre.
Owned by Kiwi Income Property Trust (KIP), the Vero Centre is recognised as having one of the largest collections of New
Zealand artwork outside public art galleries. The Wall of Words is a unique artwork featuring words by and about New
Zealanders and their country. Included are words of Dame Whina Cooper, Katherine Mansfield, Richard Seddon, John Clarke,
Rewi Alley, Split Enz, Abel Tasman, Maurice Shadbolt and Sir Edmund Hillary.
Chief Executive of the Manager of Kiwi Income Property Trust Angus McNaughton said Sir Peter’s words were the first
addition to the Wall since its commissioning and unveiling in 2000.
“These words are the essence of Sir Peter’s approach to life and work, and no doubt the reason for his achievements and
success. With such a gritty personal philosophy Sir Peter had the courage to pursue his dreams, to understand the risks
involved, and to respect the challenges he faced. Many of us have been inspired by them in our own challenges.
“As the curator of the Wall of Words and the other Vero Centre artworks, Kiwi Income Property Trust is pleased to have
had the chance to facilitate this addition to the Wall as a way of celebrating Sir Peter’s life and achievements. We are
also thankful to Lady Pippa Blake for sanctioning the inclusion of these words on the Wall.”
The Wall of Words can be viewed and enjoyed at the Vero Centre on Shortland Steet, Auckland.
ENDS