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The article discusses the efforts of New Zealand on preserving Antarctica. According to the author, Antarctica is managed by international agreement, which was signed by 12 countries committed to preserve it for peaceful purposes and not as an object of international discord. Antarctica New Zealand and the Sir Peter Blake Trust launched a program that selected a young New Zealander to participate in environmental work in Antarctica.

Argues that the importance of saline and fresh water to all life should be emphasized during New Zealand's Seaweek 2006. Causes of the deterioration in the quality of water; Efforts made by community groups and non-profit organizations to improve local coastal areas; Need to change the discrepancy between the attitude toward terrestrial resources and attitude toward marine resources.

The article discusses the tourism industry in New Zealand. Reportedly, the international visitor arrivals to this country reached 2.42 million in 2006. Its tourism also provides employment in the country. However, the country faces challenges in its location such as the cost and length of travel time. One of the marketing strategies to promote the country as a destination is to boast its high quality natural environment. The tourism industry and the government works hand in hand to promote the continued growth of the industry.

The article discusses the impact of the decision of Bunnings Warehouse to charge for plastic packaging bags at the checkout on the issue of the use of plastics. Plastics are described in the article as versatile, durable substances, light, strong and do not rust. Their durability, however, implies that they may persist for several years which causes environmental problems. The author appreciates Bunnings Warehouse for leading the reduction in the use of plastic carry bags.

The article discusses the kind of leadership and traits of notable people in New Zealand. It cites that Sir Edmund Hillary, a mountaineer who climbed Mount Everest located between China and Nepal, is revered because of his attitude in handling popularity that came with his achievement. Another leader, Kate Sheppard, promoted equal opportunities for women in all aspects of life. The author describes a New Zealand leader as one who leads by example and value actions over words.

The article reports on the effort of New Zealand to conserve marine resources. According to the article, New Zealand manages the fourth largest marine estate in the world that is why the development of a marine conservation ethic is essential to its future. The Sir Peter Blake Trust entered a partnership with the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research to run the Sea and Learn Program. It is a hands-on marine-science program designed to expose students to the marine environment.

The author ponders New Zealand yachtsman Sir Peter Blake's death and achievements that were left to the mind of New Zealanders. According to him, Sir Peter would have become the Jacques Cousteau of the next generation. He said that the best way to honor Sir Peter was to keep Blakexpeditions operating. Sir Peter Blake Trust was a registered charitable trust established in the late 2003. The trust has the blessing and active support of the Blake family.

The article narrates the author's involvement in nature conservation projects like the Clean Up Our Coasts program. He shares that upon seeing satellite images of North Atlantic filled with debris and garbage, he thought New Zealand would be different. He was proven wrong as clean-ups of coastal areas around New Zealand revealed a high number of wastes being dumped into the ocean. Several steps have been undertaken to conserve marine life but irresponsibility of some citizens are still rampant.

The article focuses on the continued practice of whale hunting despite a moratorium on commercial whaling and a formally-declared Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary. Countries such as Japan, Norway and Iceland have been known to continue to hunt whales. The International Whaling Commission was established by the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling with providing for the conservation, development and optimum utilization of whale resources.

This article focuses on initiatives that support and develop the next generation or the youth of environmental leaders in New Zealand. Environmental leaders in the country is making efforts to make a difference. The Enviro-Schools program provides a valuable framework to introduce school children to the environment. The Sir Peter Blake Trust has established programs to raise environmental awareness among the youth.

Focuses on the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards established by the Sir Peter Blake Trust in New Zealand in 2005. Goal of the awards; Basis of the award; Benefits of the award to young leaders.

The article comments on the growing popularity of endurance and adventure sports in New Zealand even if they require extreme hardship and pain and even if they pose a risk of injury or death. An overview of the difficulties in participating in the Volvo Ocean Race is presented. It offers information on the reputation of the people of New Zealand as adventurers. The factors that motivate a person to endure prolonged hardship, stress or suffering when participating in adventure sports are discussed.

Ponders on the lack of knowledge among New Zealanders towards the rich biodiversity of mammals native in the country. Ecological significance of conserving marine mammals; Conservation initiatives of the government in protecting marine mammals; Effect of ignorance and habitat degradation on the population of native terrestrial species.

Highlights a yachting experience during the Volvo Ocean Race in Southern Ocean. Condition of ocean waves during the yachting; Sighting to a royal albatross; Solutions that were find to protect creatures that depend on sea for survival.

Presents information on the 2004 Sir Peter Blake Youth Environment Forum which aims to provide young people with opportunities and experiences in environmental management to develop future environmental leadership. Topics discussed in the forum; Description of the estuarine ecosystems in New Zealand; Potential solutions to the problems encountered by estuarine ecosystems.