Tributes to Sir Edmund Hillary

The Prime Minister Helen Clark leads the tributes to Sir Edmund Hillary, who died today in Auckland aged 88.

Prime Minister Helen Clark

Prime Minister Helen Clark said today that the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary is a profound loss to New Zealand.

"My thoughts are with Lady Hillary, Sir Edmund’s children, wider family, and close friends at this sad time," Helen Clark said.

"Sir Ed described himself as an average New Zealander with modest abilities. In reality, he was a colossus. He was an heroic figure who not only 'knocked off' Everest but lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity.

"The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived. But most of all he was a quintessential Kiwi. He was ours - from his craggy appearance and laconic style to his directness and honesty. All New Zealanders will deeply mourn his passing.

"Sir Ed’s 1953 ascent of Mt Everest brought him world-wide fame. Thereafter he set out to support development for the Sherpa people of the Himalayas. His lifetime’s humanitarian work there is of huge significance and lasting benefit.

"Sir Ed was not one to bask idly in celebrity. He drew on his international prestige to highlight issues and values which he held dear. His enduring commitment to and respect for the Sherpa people reflects the best of what we as New Zealanders can contribute, from our small developed nation helping another less privileged one.

"Sir Edmund established the Himalayan Trust in the early 1960s and worked tirelessly until his death to raise funds and build schools and hospitals in the mountains.

"The legacy of Sir Edmund Hillary will live on. His exploits continue to inspire new generations of New Zealanders, as they have for more than half a century already,” Helen Clark said.

Governor-General Anand Satyanand

The death of Sir Edmund Hillary today is a great loss to his family and to all New Zealanders, says the Governor-General Anand Satyanand.

"Sir Edmund was a great New Zealander and his passing will be deeply mourned by people throughout the world. As Governor-General of New Zealand and on behalf of all New Zealanders, I extend my deepest condolences and those of my wife Susan, to Lady Hillary and Sir Edmund’s family on their great loss.

"The loss of Sir Edmund is a loss for all those who sought to improve our world. Through his many achievements in the Himalayas, Nepal, Antarctica, India and elsewhere, Sir Edmund was an important role model.  He was a leader who showed how to set goals and achieve them.

"But showing the true qualities of a great leader, he used his standing as a conqueror of the world’s highest peak to work tirelessly to better the lives of many people, and particularly those in Nepal. But despite his fame, Sir Edmund never lost sight of his roots and remained to his death a humble person dedicated to the service of others.

"I cannot think of better words to describe this iconic man than those he used himself when he said: 'I discovered that even the mediocre can have adventures and even the fearful can achieve.  I had the world beneath my clumsy boots and saw the red sun slip over the horizon after the dark Antarctic winter.  But for me the most rewarding moments have not always been the great moments, for what can surpass a tear on your departure, joy on your return, and a trusting hand in yours?'

"Sir Edmund's life was an inspiration to all New Zealanders and his memory and works will live on.  We will deeply miss his trusting hand."

Mountaineer Graeme Dingle

New Zealand mountaineer Graeme Dingle has said Sir Edmund was a mentor and someone he aspired to be like.

"We did many wonderful journeys together and Ed became I guess for me a kind of mentor even though he didn't like that term, particularly," Mr Dingle told Radio New Zealand.

"He was certainly somebody who I aspired to be like, his courage and his doggedness and his downright common sense and also his ability to help people and care about people they were all things that I wanted to achieve in my life."

Acting Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard

Acting Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has described Sir Edmund Hillary as a giant of New Zealand.

"Sir Edmund's name is synonymous with adventure, with achievement, with dreaming and then making those dreams come true," Ms Gillard told Sky News.

"I'm sure there will be many Australians today who reflect on his death.

"People always looked at him as a man of achievement and I think people today will mark his passing with regret."

"Edmund Hillary was one of New Zealand's giants, of course, and known around the world and someone of whom they were so rightly proud."

Finance Minister Michael Cullen

"We should grieve, but I think we should also celebrate that life that Sir Edmund had, and recognise he was a truly great man and a truly great New Zealander."

National Party leader John Key

Sir Edmund Hillary was a truly great New Zealand hero and his death will be mourned by the whole country, says National Party Leader John Key. 

"Sir Edmund was a role model for all New Zealanders.  His legendary story as both a humanitarian and adventurer has been, and will continue to be, inspirational to generations.

"His legacy will not be forgotten.

"Sir Edmund was hugely proud to be a New Zealander - and we were proud to call him one of us.

"I offer the National Party's condolences to Sir Edmund's family and friends. I'm sure all New Zealanders will feel the loss of his passing." 

Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons

Sir Edmund Hillary was a man who embodied the spirit of New Zealand, Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said.

"I met Sir Ed on several occasions and admired him tremendously. I, like so many other New Zealanders, looked up to him as an inspiration. He embodied the things that we are proud of. He was not just a great mountaineer, he gave back so much to the people of Nepal with his work in education and health, and he ably represented New Zealand to the rest of the world.
 
"He also embodied the spirit of Kiwi ingenuity. It was his idea to save a monastery from falling down a cliff with meshed number eight fencing wire instead of concrete and steel. Unlike the engineers, he understood that all the materials had to be carried in on the backs of sherpas.

"Sir Ed lived a long, happy and fulfilling life and at the age of 88 had achieved so much. I am sure he passed on without leaving regrets about things he did not do." "I wish to convey the condolences of the Green Party to Lady Hillary and the rest of their family," Ms Fitzsimons says

Maori Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples

Iri te rau kawakawa iri ki whare aitua.

Ngarue ana te whenua, ngaoko ana te moana, i te hinganga o te totara whakahe o te wao, a, mo wai ana tera i te maunga o nga kaka haetara, nei kapoto ki te po.

Tenei ia kua riro ki te kapunipunitanga o nga wairua, kua tua o te pae o maumahara.

Haere e te rangatira, haere ki tua atu i Te Reinga, ko taa mätou te hunga ora, he whai i nga tapuwae kua pikitia e koe.

E koro e, moe atu, moe atu, moe atu raa.

The passing of Sir Edmund Hillary will be marked with enormous sadness by people throughout Aotearoa, Maori Party co-leader, Dr Pita Sharples, said today.

"When we think of Sir Ed, we have the utmost respect for someone who truly represents the categories of hero, leader, champion - our own homegrown superman" said Dr Sharples.

"Yet despite having conquered the highest mountain on earth, Sir Ed has always inspired respect through his consistent kindness and humility."

Sir Edmund's climbing conquest of Mt Everest has become a special symbol of the New Zealand character says Dr Sharples.

"In many ways, Sir Ed has played a pivotal role in shaping the New Zealand identity on the world stage" said Dr Sharples.

"His distinctive leadership, his unique vision, his driving determination to succeed has been an enormous source of motivation to this nation - and indeed the world," said Dr Sharples.

"He has made a huge imprint on the national psyche - setting his sights on the highest mountain and fully preparing to meet every challenge to achieve his dream" said Dr Sharples.

"That he persevered with his vision, despite the tragic deaths of his first wife and daughter in a plane crash, also represents the outstanding bravery he is known for".

"Sir Ed will also be remembered with great affection throughout the world for his aspirations to make a practical difference in the lives of people".

"His legacy in Nepal will carry on through the work of the Himalayan Trust in which he initiated the building of schools, hospitals, bridges".

"I hope that we can all reflect on his remarkable life and take courage in being able to strive for success in whatever field we aspire to".

"We share with Lady Hillary and the wider Hillary family, the sorrow of losing an extraordinary man who would want to be remembered most as an 'ordinary New Zealander'"

"When we think of Sir Ed, a well loved whakatauaki will always come to mind: Whaia e koe ki te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me maunga teitei

Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton

Ed Hillary was a great New Zealander, not just because he was one of the first two people to set foot on the summit of Mt Everest, although that was a notable achievement in itself, Progressive Party leader Jim Anderton said.

"Quite a lot of people have done that since and we haven’t put their likeness on our money.

"What made him a great New Zealander was his refusal to rest on his laurels as he might easily have done. Instead, he saw a need on the part of the sherpa mountain people of Nepal and devoted his long life to doing something practical about it.”

Mr Anderton said that in doing that, he not only caught the spirit of what is the best in the New Zealand national character, he underlined it in his own modest response at the time to climbing the world's highest mountain.

"Asked for his personal reaction to his achievement, he said: 'We knocked the bastard off' when he might very reasonably have claimed the credit for himself and turned that into a career.

"All his life Ed knew that things got achieved by everybody pulling together as a community. It’s his profiling of that in his own life that makes him a great New Zealander among his own people."

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne

Sir Edmund Hillary was a fine New Zealander who inspired a nation in life and whose death  marks the end of an era, said UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne.

"Edmund Hillary was an inspiration to generations. With his life and achievements, he lived the life of two men, not just one.

“He was a humble man and perhaps that’s what made him such an iconic New Zealander – not just his momentous feats, but the humility with which he carried himself.

“In many ways Sir Ed was the quintessential Kiwi. His values - quiet determination, courage, persistence, and humility – have become the Kiwi values we all embrace.

“My thoughts and sympathy are with his family on the loss of a husband, father and grandfather, but I hope they can draw strength and consolation from the achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary and the regard in which he is held as one of the greatest New Zealanders of all time, said Mr Dunne.

ACT leader Rodney Hide

ACT leader Rodney Hide was today saddened to learn of the death of Sir Edmund Hillary in Auckland this morning, and expressed his sympathy to Sir Edmund's family.

"Both myself and ACT Deputy Leader Heather Roy would like to say how sad we are that Sir Edmund has passed; our hearts go out to his family and loved ones," Mr Hide said.

"Sir Edmund Hillary was one of New Zealand's greatest icons - a perfect example of the country's indomitable spirit and can-do attitude.

"With his work both here and overseas - as well as his legendary exploits - Sir Edmund will continue to serve as an inspiration for generations of Kiwis to come," Mr Hide said.

British High Commissioner George Fergusson

"Sir Edmund Hillary was the quintessential hero to people in Britain as well as New Zealand, of my generation and since," British High Commissioner George Fergusson said today.

"The determination and skill which propelled him to fame both in the Himalayas and Antarctica, were perhaps outweighed in the end by the qualities of modesty and integrity, which many around the world see in New Zealanders more generally."

"His later work in Nepal and India, giving back to communities which he had come across as a young man, will form an important part of his memorial."

"I give my condolences to Lady Hillary, Peter and Sarah."

Auckland mayor John Banks

Sir Edmund's outstanding contribution to New Zealand would be remembered and greatly admired forever, Auckland Mayor John Banks said.

"Sir Edmund Hillary was made a distinguished citizen of Auckland City in 2003 and he will be sadly missed as a truly inspiring role model for everything good about New Zealand.

"Our sincere condolences go to Lady Hillary and their family at this sad time."

New Zealand Alpine Club president Phil Doole

"Ed Hillary wasn't just a once in a lifetime figure, he was a once in history figure,'New Zealand Alpine Club president Phil Doole said today.

"By definition no-one else was able to repeat his first ascent of the world's highest mountain, yet that achievement pales into insignificance compared to his humanitarian achievements, his values and his determined expression of them."

Aoraki Mount Cook staff
 
"We are deeply saddened by today’s news of the passing of Sir Edmund Hillary, an extraordinary man and pioneer. He will be an immense loss to Lady June Hillary, his family, and to us and the public of New Zealand," said The Hermitage General Manager Denis Callesen.

- With NZPA

"We’re extremely privileged to have our recently opened attraction in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park named after Sir Edmund Hillary and are honoured that we can celebrate his life on a daily basis by sharing his memories, achievements and legacy."

"I know I speak on behalf of everyone at Aoraki Mount Cook when I say that his legendary spirit will live on in our hearts."

Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard

Reserve Bank Governor Alan Bollard said today the special character ofSir Edmund Hillary was demonstrated in the fact that he was the onlyliving New Zealander to have been chosen to feature on a New Zealand banknote.

"We will all feel the loss of a truly remarkable man whose achievement and humility have inspired New Zealanders for so long. We offer our condolences to Lady Hillary, Peter Hillary and their families."

University of Waikato Vice Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford

"Along with the rest of the nation, the University of Waikato is mourning the loss of one of our great leaders," University of Waikato Vice Chancellor Professor Roy Crawford said today.
 
"He was an inspiration to all New Zealanders, but particularly young people, and he was interested in and keen to encourage them to challenge themselves. 

"As patron of the University of Waikato Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship Programme he espoused its philosophy of excellence, all round development – both academic and sporting or creative - and leadership.

"With his involvement with young people throughout New Zealand, and his commitment to the health, wellbeing and education of communities in poorer regions of the world, particularly Nepal and India, Sir Edmund truly lived this University’s motto – Ko te Tangata – For the People."

Volunteer Service Abroad president and CEO

As part of Sir Edmund Hillary’s life as a humanitarian, he became the founding President of Volunteer Service Abroad in the early 1960s.

VSA’s current President, Gavin Kerr, says Sir Edmund’s enthusiasm was crucial to getting political support for the organisation in its early years.

VSA chief executive officer Debbie Snelson says through his tireless work with the Sherpas in Nepal, Sir Edmund led the way for New Zealanders to be recognised as practical hands-on volunteers who work side by side with people in developing nations.

SPARC Chairman John Wells

"Sir Edmund Hillary’s life and achievements have inspired generations of Kiwis to explore the great outdoors and to treat our environment with the utmost respect,” said SPARC Chairman John Wells.

"And while we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his unfailing drive to accomplish a goal – conquering Mount Everest - that at the time seemed unattainable. Sir Ed’s worldwide reputation as a legendary adventurer is exceeded only by his genuine humility and his devotion to helping others.

"His passing is a reminder to us all of what we can accomplish for ourselves and for others if we have the determination and enthusiasm to do so."

Federated Farmers Bees chair John Hartnell

"Beekeepers have always been proud to count Sir Edmund Hillary as one of their own. He described himself as an average New Zealander but was an inspiration to us all," the chair of Federated Farmers Bees John Hartnell said today.

"Sir Edmund Hillary began life following in his father’s footsteps as a beekeeper and funded his early climbing expeditions from his living collecting honey.

"Today we remember a wonderful life. Sir Edmund’s achievements will live on. Our condolences go to his family and close friends at this time," Mr Hartnell said.

Tom Scott, cartoonist

"We will never see the likes of Sir Edmund Hillary again. He was a great human."

Bhoomi Lama of the Nepal Mountaineering Association in Kathmandu

 "He was a hero and a leader for us. He did a lot for the people of the Everest region and will always remain in our hearts."

Federated Mountain Clubs president Brian Stephenson

 "Sir Edmund took New Zealand mountaineering to the world, then followed with an extraordinary range of other achievements, which took New Zealand itself to the world.

"In every field he excelled, whether as a benefactor, Sherpa builder, or as New Zealand's High Commissioner to India, throughout his distinguished life he remained modest and approachable."

Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey

"His adventures made him a huge figure in world history, but I was privileged to know him on a more personal level. He was humble, generous and the epitome of that old fashion term 'gentleman'."

- © Fairfax NZ News