Sir Ed: Part of all our lives for generations

Helen Clark Prime Minister

Sir Edmund Hillary was a very special human being – a man of great courage and determination, an explorer and achiever, and a humanitarian.

He also endeared himself to our nation as a modest, unassuming, and unpretentious man.

So many memories flood back at a time like this because Sir Ed has been so much part of our public life for more than half a century.

The generations of my parents and grandparents followed his exploits in the alpine and polar environments. My generation grew up knowing of the fame he had brought to New Zealand. [image:31867] 

It was very special for me to accompany Sir Ed to Antarctica a year ago to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his establishment of Scott Base for New Zealand.

His joy at being back there was evident, and all of us present felt honoured to share that time with him.

One particularly memorable moment was being with Sir Ed in Shackleton’s hut – now carefully restored – and hearing his strong advocacy for the restoration of the other historic huts around McMurdo Sound.

Sir Ed’s work for the Sherpa people of Nepal is well known. He tirelessly raised funds for decades to provide schools and hospitals for them.

Attending one of Sir Ed’s fundraisers was in itself an unforgettable event. In something akin to a fireside chat, he could enthral hundreds of people with tales of his life which were both profound and entertaining. [image:31868]

Sir Ed was very generous with his time and presence for so many years. He was often to be seen at openings and events associated with outdoor activities and young people. He spoke movingly at the memorial service for the late David Lange.

Sir Ed will be missed by us all for the extraordinary human being he was. May he rest in peace. 

By Helen Clark

 

UPDATES

  • Hillary Institute media statement (28/1/2008) announcing Climate Change Solutions as Leadership topic for 2008-12: www.hillaryinstitute.org.nz (document attached below)
  • Eulogy: the Prime Minister's eulogy, delivered at the State Funeral Service for Sir Edmund Hillary
  • 21 January: Prime Minister Helen Clark announced details of representatives of other nations and associates of Sir Edmund Hillary from around the world attending the State Funeral.
    • Special guests are to represent the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, Nepal, Russia and Tonga.
    • There will be very strong representation from diplomatic missions to New Zealand based in Wellington, and also representation from Canberra.
    • Representatives of the Sherpa community of Nepal, international members and supporters of the Himalayan Trust, and
    • members of the 1953 Everest Expedition will attend.
  • 18 January: Prime Minister Helen Clark announced details of the arrangements for Sir Edmund Hillary’s State Funeral on Tuesday, 22 January, and for his lying in state in the Auckland Cathedral of Holy Trinity in Parnell from Monday 21 January until the funeral service at St Mary’s in Holy Trinity, Parnell.
    • The State Funeral service will be broadcast live by Television New Zealand and Radio New Zealand and relayed to large screens in the Auckland Domain and the Viaduct Basin to allow many people to be part of this special farewell to Sir Edmund. 
       

 

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