InTouch : Sir Murray Halberg wins Blake Medal

Sir Murray Halberg has been awarded the 2008 Blake Medal for his contribution of more than 50 years service to athletics and children with disabilities. Already this year, the 75-year-old has been appointed to the Order of New Zealand, the highest honour in the land.
Sir Murray becomes the fourth recipient of the Blake Medal, the supreme accolade of the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards, which were presented by Pippa, Lady Blake and His Excellency, The Honourable Anand Satyanand, Governor-General of New Zealand at black tie function at Parliament in July.
Chair of the selection panel, Sir Ron Carter says Sir Murray, whose leadership style is to encourage others to reach their full potential, is wholeheartedly deserving of this award.
“Sir Murray never fails to compliment those who trained him, those who trained with him, and who added their energy to his in developing the Halberg Trust. It is precisely this attitude to building team that has earned him the honour of the Blake Medal.
“Leadership is not about self glory, it is about inspiring the team to achieve more than they could as individuals. Through the inspiration of his team, Sir Murray is the epitome of person who deserves the Blake Medal for outstanding leadership.”
As well as honouring one outstanding leader, the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards also recognise six Emerging Leaders demonstrating considerable potential. The 2008 recipients are: Keriana Brooking, CEO, Turanganui Primary Health Organisation, Gisborne; Rebecca Caughey, managing director, Funktion Music, Auckland; Julie Helson, general manager, KidsCan Charitable Trust, Auckland; Oscar Kightley, writer, actor, director and TV presenter, Auckland; Michael Sabin, director, Methcon Group, Whangarei; and, Sarah Ulmer, world and Olympic champion cyclist and director of SUB (Sarah Ulmer Brand), Cambridge.
The Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards were established in 2005 to recognise and promote leadership as worthy goal. The awards are open to all New Zealanders and selection includes rigorous process reviewing nominations for leaders from all sectors of society.