How did others view the leader then-now?

Then
``I think he is to the waters what Sir Edmund Hillary (conqueror of Mount Everest) has been to the mountains. He's just the most amazingly accomplished yachtsman. He is an inspiration to all New Zealanders.'' - Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister.
This quote from Helen Clark tells of how many viewed him as an inspiration and he inspired many people to work hard for what they what. They viewed him also as a hard worker and a determined leader


I read a phrase once and it went something like this... Dear God, do not let me drown in the sea of mediocrity. Peter Blake certainly did not drown in the sea of mediocrity. There are some people that live their lives helping others and there are some that are larger than life and can carry a multitude of people along with them, paving the way and enriching their lives. Peter Blake is such a person, an outstanding individual that changed and bettered countless lives.......
- Alastair Dow, Fellow Kiwi
Sir Peter Blake made an impact the environment as a compassionate environmentalist and he encouraged people to go out and make a difference in the world. 


Now

"What a man , he had vision, drive and determination and was simply a good and decent man who wanted to make a positive difference, and by God he sure did make a positive difference in everything he did.

Sadly in defending his friends from armed robbers we lost one the greatest New Zealanders ever."

-Grant Maconaghie - Fellow Kiwi

The general public and people that hadn't met him before were touched by his story and inspired by what he had achieved in his life. The young sailors of today aspire to follow in his footsteps and one day be apart of a winning Americas Cup team.


"A great man with a lot of vision ... sadly his life was cut short before we could see it all."
-Catherine Barclay, Passerby
Many people saw the vision  and drive that Sir Peter Blake had, also they saw that he could achieve his goals by leading a team and working with others.