Kiwis representing more than medals
New Zealand’s Peter Burling and Blair Tuke — Olympic medallists, America’s Cup champions and founders of Live Ocean — have just returned from the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, where they spent several days representing New Zealand on the global stage of marine protection, ocean science, and sustainable sport.
But this wasn’t just a photo op for the trophy cabinet. As co-founders of the ocean-focused not-for-profit Live Ocean, Burling and Tuke have spent the past five years turning sailing success into long-term ocean advocacy — and this month, that effort took them to the heart of the UN’s “Ocean Decade”.
“We met others from all parts of the globe, connected to all the different oceans around the world – people trying to do similar things to drive action for a healthy ocean,” said Blair Tuke following the event. “The knowledge sharing and people working together is one of the highlights of these events.”
Using sport to connect to the sea
The pair were invited to take part in multiple key events at the conference, including ‘The Power of Sport as a Key Convenor’, hosted by The Ocean Race, and an Ocean House ‘Nightcap’ session — a gathering of global athletes using their platforms to champion marine sustainability.
Tuke and Burling also participated in a panel hosted by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, focused on the ecological value of deep ocean seamounts — vast undersea mountains that are increasingly threatened by extraction and deep-sea mining proposals.
“Sport is an amazing platform for being able to connect people to issues,” said Burling. “As an athlete, it gives you that extra purpose while you’re out competing. Through your audience, you can really help them get behind the issues — and that can influence decision-makers.”
A uniquely Kiwi perspective
What makes the Live Ocean approach compelling on the world stage is that it’s not just advocacy — it’s action. Backed by real projects in New Zealand waters, including scientific research and marine restoration, the organisation speaks from lived experience.
More importantly, Burling and Tuke bring a Kiwi voice into a space often dominated by Northern Hemisphere narratives. Their presence adds weight to New Zealand’s call for marine policy that balances protection with access, and recognises the role that sport, science and culture all play in shaping ocean outcomes.
As Tuke put it: “The UN Ocean Conference is our opportunity to take part in the global conversation about ocean health, and it was a privilege to speak and attend a number of the events. There’s a lot that happens in the big forums with the political leaders, and events outside of that where NGOs cross over with policymakers too.”
Bringing energy home
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference marks the halfway point of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The stakes are high — from the 30×30 conservation targets to treaty discussions on the high seas, and emerging tensions over deep-sea mining and industrial-scale extraction.
Burling and Tuke’s presence at the conference ensures New Zealand perspectives — especially those of the recreational and sailing communities — are part of that dialogue. And they say the work won’t stop when the flights land.
“It’s been amazing to see how much energy there is here,” Burling said. “I’ve been inspired by hearing so many different stories and really look forward to carrying that energy back to New Zealand and continuing to make positive change.”
What it means for Kiwi boaties
For readers of Boating New Zealand, the relevance is clear. From reef health to fishing access, seamount protection to sustainable boating practices, the conversations at UNOC directly shape the future of how — and where — we’ll continue to enjoy our oceans.
It’s encouraging to see two of New Zealand’s most accomplished sailors using their influence to ensure the voices of those who live on and with the ocean are heard.
As decisions made at the international level increasingly trickle down to local rules and access, that kind of representation matters.
