Tributes to Sir Ed proposed, to some opposition

Renaming Aoraki Mt Cook's low peak or State Highway 80 to recognise Sir Edmund Hillary has being proposed. But renaming the peak has been criticised by the Arowhenua upoko Joe Waaka.

Among the tourism sector there is some support for renaming the low peak Hillary Peak in recognition of Hillary's party achieving the first ascent of the peak's south ridge in 1947.

Mr Waaka said tangata whenua had waited 160 years to have the mountain properly named and didn't want any more changes to any parts of it.

"What will we call it? Aoraki brackets Mt Cook dash Hillary?"

Under the Ngai Tahu deed of settlement the mountain was recognised as Aoraki -- a significant ancestor.

"No way will we be allowing any changes to the name of our mountain. They can name the highway if they like. We don't care about highways."

Mr Waaka did not believe the Hillary family were pushing to have peaks renamed. He saw the move as promotional, using the great man's name, rather than paying sincere tribute.

Mackenzie district mayor John O'Neill disagreed. He said Sir Edmund had a real connection with Aoraki Mt Cook. It was where he became a mountaineer and trained for Everest and Antarctica. He had a genuine connection with the area and saw it as New Zealand's Himalayas. The mountain affected him and this connection brought people to the region.

The Mt Cook community originally suggested renaming Mt Ollivier after Sir Edmund, but the proposal was later withdrawn.

Destination Mt Cook Mackenzie general manager Phillip Brownie said with his governing board's support he would look at steps for changing either one or both names.

Transit New Zealand operations manager southern zone Pete Connors said there is an process of consultation and notification for a renaming a highway. There were occasions when highways were given new names, but ultimately the decision would be made at Transit's board level.

Mr Brownie said there should be recognition of the Mt Cook region's influence on the great adventurer.

"It's a fantastic way for us as locals to remember Sir Ed every day, but it's also a great reminder for all Kiwis and international visitors who visit Mount Cook, that this place was dear to his heart. He spent a lot of time here mountaineering and training for his Everest and Antarctica expeditions."

AA tourism general manager Peter Blackwell said the region was listed as a must-do locations and he supported the highway name change.

" We think it's entirely appropriate to have a permanent reminder about the nation's most famous New Zealander in this region where he spent so much time."

Mr Brownie said the name of the road could be along the lines of The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Way.

- © Fairfax NZ News