John Key Opens Nominations For Blake Awards

March 19, 2009

Media release

Prime Minister John Key opens nominations for the 2009 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards

The opening of nominations for the 2009 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards was this morning marked by Prime Minister John Key reviewing his own leadership – after 100 days in the office.

The Hon John Key addressed the Leadership Breakfast in Auckland, reviewing his 100-day plan and discussing his leadership in turbulent times.

Although his first months in office had been marked by global economic hardship, the Prime Minister told his audience of about 500 business leaders he remained confident in New Zealand’s ability to come through the recession. He said it was an opportune time to be celebrating leadership and welcomed the opening of nominations for the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards.

“We’re going to see some great people selected and it’s going to be another great opportunity to celebrate New Zealanders.”

He outlined the three traits he considered important for successful leadership. These were vision, investing in your skill set and determination.

“At the end of the day you have to be prepared to work hard and throw everything at it.”

Air New Zealand’s general manager Tasman Pacific Airline, Glen Sowry – recipient of the 2005 Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Award – also spoke at the breakfast and as a former Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race crew member, gave interesting insights into the leadership of the late Sir Peter Blake.

The Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards were established in 2005 to acknowledge and celebrate great New Zealand leaders that impact and add value to our nation. They are an initiative of the Sir Peter Blake Trust, which aims to encourage and promote great leadership, ensuring Sir Peter’s spirit is kept alive for future generations.

The Trust partnered with The Auckland Chamber of Commerce in hosting the Leadership Breakfast to mark the opening of nominations for this year’s awards.

The Blake Medal and the Sir Peter Blake Emerging Leader Awards are open to all New Zealanders.

Last year, Sir Murray Halberg became the fourth recipient of the Blake Medal, the supreme accolade of the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards, for his contribution of more than 50 years service to athletics and children with disabilities. Sir Murray was also at the Leadership Breakfast.

Winners of the 2009 Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards will be announced on Friday, June 26. The awards signal the start of NZ Leadership Week, which aims to raise awareness of the importance and impact great leadership makes to the country. The week hosts events around the country by leadership organizations, companies and schools.

ENDS

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