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.
Ends