Statement on the death of Sir Edmund Hillary

The death of Sir Edmund Hillary today is a great loss to his family and to all New Zealanders, says the Governor-General, Hon 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 Edmunds' 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 worlds' 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 life was an inspiration to all New Zealanders and his memory and works will live on.  We will deeply miss his trusting hand."

Quote from Sir Edmund Hillarys' 1975 book, Nothing Venture, Nothing Win.

For further enquiries contact: Antony Paltridge, Government House, 04-382-0827