On 11 January 2008 Sir Edmund Hillary died at the age of 88, generating an international outpouring of tributes to the famous mountaineer and explorer. Hillary has often been referred to as one of the 'most famous' New Zealanders, following the significant achievements of his life. In 1953 he became the first person, along with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mt Everest. New Zealander George Lowe was also a part of the 1953 British Everest Expedition party.

As part of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition, Hilary reached the South Pole overland in 1958. Following this, he reached the North Pole, making him the first person to reach both poles and summit Everest. Hillary then devoted most of his life to helping the Sherpa people of Nepal through the Himalayan Trust, which he founded. Through his efforts, many schools and hospitals were built in Nepal. Hillary was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. A state funeral was held for Hillary on 22 January 2008, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Auckland. Some of his ashes were then scattered according to his wishes in the Hauraki Gulf, and the rest were placed in a Nepalese monastery near Everest.

The image above is from an August 21st, 1953, Evening Post news clipping, contained within a file created by the department of Internal Affairs. The file details arrangements of the State Reception for Hilary and fellow mountaineer George Lowe on their return from Everest.

Archival Reference: ACGO 8333 IA1 Box 2979 152/1183 www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=19967345

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