BLAKE
BLAKE is a New Zealand non-profit charitable trust operating a portfolio of environmental education and leadership programmes for young New Zealanders aged 8-25, delivering VR outreach, residential leadership weeks, and science placements in partnership with Westpac and the Ministry of Education.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersAuckland, New Zealand
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What BLAKE does
BLAKE is a New Zealand non-profit charitable trust (legally Sir Peter Blake Charity Ltd) established in 2004 to continue the environmental leadership legacy of Sir Peter Blake following his death in 2001. The organisation operates a portfolio of eight interconnected environmental education and leadership programmes targeting young New Zealanders (rangatahi) aged roughly 8-25, with the New Zealand Ministry of Education as a key funder. The programme stack includes BLAKE Ambassadors (paid science and conservation placements for 18-25 year-olds with DOC and Earth Sciences New Zealand), BLAKE Inspire (week-long residential leadership programmes for Year 11-13 students, $875 GST inclusive with scholarships available), BLAKE Inspire for Sailors ($990 per student), BLAKE Inspire for Teachers (fully Ministry of Education-funded), BLAKE Explorers (three-day immersive outdoor experiences for Year 7-8 students), BLAKE Expeditions (scientific voyages for alumni), BLAKE Awards (annual recognition programme running since 2005), and BLAKE NZ-VR (the scale programme).
NZ-VR is the technical centrepiece, delivering immersive 360° marine education via VR headsets to schools across Northland, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, having reached 200,000+ students by June 2026 with a 2026 Climate Change module added. Programme fees range from $200+GST (NZ-VR half-day) to $990 (Sailors), but most programmes are subsidized, with full scholarships available. The revenue model is fundamentally a non-profit funding mix: corporate partnerships (Westpac as major partner powering NZ-VR), government grants (Ministry of Education), charitable trust donations (Foundation North, Joyce Fisher, Lion, Pelorus, Tindall, Potter Masonic, Aotearoa Gaming Trust), individual donations via a Westpac-hosted charity account, and modest programme fees. The organisation operates from three New Zealand offices (Auckland headquarters, Wellington, Christchurch) with 37 employees, is chaired by Professor Gary Wilson and led by CEO James Gibson, and carries the Sir Peter Blake brand under licence from the Blake family with Patron Pippa, Lady Blake.
BLAKE firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BLAKE
- Legal name
- Sir Peter Blake Charity Ltd
- Website
- https://blakenz.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- BLAKE is a New Zealand non-profit charitable trust operating a portfolio of environmental education and leadership programmes for young New Zealanders aged 8-25, delivering VR outreach, residential leadership weeks, and science placements in partnership with Westpac and the Ministry of Education.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BLAKE industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Education and Youth Leadership
- NAICS
- All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Environmental Science & Sustainability Programs (Ecology, Climate, Conservation) (EDAMABAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Environmental Education & Outreach (BPAGAGAH), Leadership, Debate & Model UN Camps (EDAMALAK)
Keywords
Where BLAKE is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Auckland
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices3 records
Markets served
BLAKE business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Others, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: BLAKE is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and support from individuals, corporate partners, community trusts and grants. Online donations can be made via internet banking or credit card.
- Programme Fees: Some programmes have subsidized fee components. BLAKE Inspire charges $875 GST inclusive for paid positions, with full scholarships available. BLAKE NZ-VR charges $320+GST for full day sessions or $200+GST for half day sessions. BLAKE Inspire for Sailors charges $990 per student.
- Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship: Major partnerships with Westpac, Earth Sciences New Zealand, and other corporate sponsors who fund programmes and initiatives.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | NZ-VR Full Day - 3-4 sessions |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | NZ-VR Half Day - 1-2 sessions |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | BLAKE Inspire - Paid Position |
| Subscription | One time/ perpetual license | BLAKE Inspire for Sailors |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | BLAKE Inspire for Teachers |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
BLAKE product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BLAKE delivers a portfolio of eight environmental leadership and education programmes targeting young New Zealanders aged 8-25, teachers, and schools. These include virtual reality school outreach (NZ-VR), three-day outdoor immersion (Explorers), residential leadership development (Inspire), teacher professional development (Inspire for Teachers), sailing-based ocean learning (Inspire for Sailors), science and conservation placements (Ambassadors), scientific expeditions to remote areas (Expeditions), and the annual BLAKE Awards recognition ceremony. The organisation operates as a non-profit charitable trust funded through donations, corporate sponsorship, grants, and subsidised programme fees.
Product overview
BLAKE operates as a portfolio of environmental leadership programmes, not a unified technology product. The core offering consists of eight interconnected programmes: BLAKE Ambassadors (placements for ages 18-25), BLAKE Awards (annual recognition programme), BLAKE Expeditions (scientific voyages), BLAKE Explorers (outdoor experiences for intermediate students), BLAKE Inspire (residential leadership for high school students), BLAKE Inspire for Sailors (sailing-focused variant), BLAKE Inspire for Teachers (educator development), and BLAKE NZ-VR (virtual reality school outreach). These programmes form a progression pathway, with Inspire alumni becoming eligible for Expeditions, and NZ-VR schools feeding into Explorers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- BLAKE Ambassadors A youth leadership programme for young New Zealanders aged 18-25 that places participants alongside scientists and conservationists in remote locations across Aotearoa, contributing to real science and conservation projects through partnerships with Earth Sciences New Zealand and the Department of Conservation. Applications open annually for the summer season.
- BLAKE Awards Annual awards celebrating outstanding New Zealanders for environmental leadership since 2005, featuring the BLAKE Medal (supreme award) and seven category awards including Science, Business, Communication, Education, Community, Young Leader, and Schools. Held annually with nominations open each year.
- BLAKE Expeditions Scientific voyages to remote and environmentally significant areas in Aotearoa (including Campbell Island, Fiordland, and Kermadec Islands) for alumni of BLAKE Inspire programmes. Participants engage in real-life scientific research and learn from world-class scientists and environmental leaders.
- BLAKE Explorers A three-day immersive experience for intermediate-aged students (Year 7-8) focused on enhancing hauora (wellbeing) through connection to te taiao (the natural environment). Activities include snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, and hiking nature trails while instilling kaitiakitanga (guardianship) values. Delivered in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch by invitation from NZ-VR participant schools.
- BLAKE Inspire A week-long residential leadership development programme for high school students (Year 11-13, aged 16+). Students work with scientists, environmental experts, and leaders to develop strong leadership skills while learning about topical environmental issues and action planning. Available for both paid positions ($875 GST inclusive) and full no-cost scholarships.
- BLAKE Inspire for Sailors A partnership programme with Yachting New Zealand bringing together young sailors from affiliated sailing clubs for a week-long ocean experiential learning adventure in Auckland, featuring sailing on Steinlager 2 and marine science activities. Priced at $990 per student.
- BLAKE Inspire for Teachers A five-day environmental education and leadership development programme for primary and intermediate teachers, fully funded by the Ministry of Education. Delegates learn from world-leading scientists and environmental leaders about climate change, freshwater quality, biodiversity, and ocean health.
- BLAKE NZ-VR A virtual reality school outreach programme that uses VR headsets to deliver immersive 360° experiences connecting Year 7-8 students with marine environments. Modules include Climate Change, Threats to our Moana, and Marine Mammals. Delivered as a travelling roadshow in partnership with New Zealand Geographic and powered by Westpac. Priced at $320+GST for full-day sessions (3-4 classes) and $200+GST for half-day sessions (1-2 classes).
Companies that use BLAKE
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
BLAKE technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
BLAKE partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered major partner, programme partner and supporters.
- Earth Sciences New Zealandmajor partnerPartnership for BLAKE Ambassadors programme, placing young people in science and research projects. Also sponsors the Pūtaiao/Science Award category.
- Department of Conservationprogramme partnerDOC partners with BLAKE for Ambassador placements in conservation projects including Takahē recovery, NZ Southern Dotterel protection, and Kākāpō conservation programmes.
- New Zealand Geographicprogramme partnerNZ Geographic partners with BLAKE to power the NZ-VR programme, providing editorial content for virtual reality marine education experiences.
- Yachting New Zealandprogramme partnerPartnership for BLAKE Inspire for Sailors programme, bringing together young sailors for ocean experiential learning adventure in Auckland.
- Royal New Zealand Navyprogramme partnerRNZN badge appears on BLAKE partner listings, supporting maritime-related programmes and expeditions.
- University of Waikatomajor partnerSupports BLAKE programmes including Antarctica Ambassador position and aligns with Chair Gary Wilson's role as Deputy Vice Chancellor Research at the university.
- Chapman Trippmajor partnerMajor partner supporting BLAKE Explorers programme in Wellington region.
- NukuorasupportersSupports BLAKE Explorers and NZ-VR programmes as a supporting partner.
- 11th Hour Racingprogramme partnerPartner supporting BLAKE Inspire for Sailors programme.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights5 records
BLAKE competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust: A New Zealand-based marine education charity running school programmes connecting children to marine reserves. Direct peer to BLAKE's NZ-VR and BLAKE Explorers in target audience (NZ youth), mission (marine environmental education), and delivery model (school outreach).
- Conservation Volunteers New Zealand: A practical conservation volunteering organisation placing participants in hands-on conservation projects. Comparable to BLAKE Ambassadors in delivering field-based youth conservation placements with DOC and partner agencies.
- Sir Edmund Hillary Trust: A New Zealand legacy charity providing youth development and outdoor education opportunities. Closely comparable to BLAKE in model (legacy foundation, youth leadership, outdoor experiences, NZ-focused), though BLAKE is more environmental.
Broad incumbents
- WWF-New Zealand: A larger environmental non-profit operating in New Zealand across conservation, advocacy, and education. Comparable as a broad incumbent in NZ environmental NGO space, with overlapping donor pool and youth education programming but a much wider portfolio.
- Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand: One of New Zealand's largest conservation NGOs running youth programmes, advocacy, and habitat protection. Comparable broad incumbent with overlapping donor base and conservation education activities for young New Zealanders.
- Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund: A major NZ conservation education provider delivering school programmes, youth camps, and species recovery work. Comparable broad incumbent in NZ youth conservation education with school-based delivery similar to BLAKE Explorers and NZ-VR.
- Earthwatch Institute: A global environmental non-profit engaging citizens in scientific field research and youth programmes. Comparable broad incumbent offering expedition-style youth conservation placements similar to BLAKE Expeditions and Ambassadors.
Regional players
- Zealandia Ecosanctuary: A Wellington-based conservation attraction running youth education programmes and school visits. Comparable as a Wellington-based regional player delivering nature-based education experiences to NZ school students.
Others
- NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) Education Programmes: A Crown Research Institute running science education outreach and citizen science initiatives. Comparable as a programme partner and adjacent provider of marine science education content used by BLAKE programmes.
- Department of Conservation (DOC) Education: A New Zealand government agency delivering conservation education, school programmes, and youth volunteer placements. Functionally comparable as BLAKE's largest programme partner for Ambassadors placements, but operates as a government entity rather than a charitable trust.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
BLAKE social profiles
Digital presenceBLAKE financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BLAKE leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles23 records
BLAKE funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BLAKE M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BLAKE
What does BLAKE do?
BLAKE delivers a portfolio of eight environmental leadership and education programmes targeting young New Zealanders aged 8-25, teachers, and schools. These include virtual reality school outreach (NZ-VR), three-day outdoor immersion (Explorers), residential leadership development (Inspire), teacher professional development (Inspire for Teachers), sailing-based ocean learning (Inspire for Sailors), science and conservation placements (Ambassadors), scientific expeditions to remote areas (Expeditions), and the annual BLAKE Awards recognition ceremony. The organisation operates as a non-profit charitable trust funded through donations, corporate sponsorship, grants, and subsidised programme fees.
Is BLAKE a public or private company?
BLAKE is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was BLAKE founded?
BLAKE was founded in 2004.
Where is BLAKE based?
BLAKE is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does BLAKE make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are programme Fees and corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship.
Who are BLAKE's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust, Conservation Volunteers New Zealand and Sir Edmund Hillary Trust. Broad incumbents are WWF-New Zealand, Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand, Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund and Earthwatch Institute. Zealandia Ecosanctuary is listed as a regional player. Others are NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) Education Programmes and Department of Conservation (DOC) Education.
Does BLAKE have an API?
No public API is recorded for BLAKE.
What industry is BLAKE in?
BLAKE's product category is Environmental Education and Youth Leadership. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMABAD, Environmental Science & Sustainability Programs (Ecology, Climate, Conservation), with a secondary code of BPAGAGAH, Environmental Education & Outreach. Its NAICS code is 61169 and its SIC code is 8200.