I, like most of the country, have just heard the sad news that a national icon and beloved figure has passed on at age 88. Sir Edmund Hillary was a conqueror, an icon, and a testament to what we hold a New Zealander to be.
He epitomised what it is to be a Kiwi. He came from humble beginnings to become an international hero.
Born in the year of 1919, he conquered Everest in 1953 in what was seen as a present to the nations new Queen. But it was more than that, even to this ardent monarchist. He gave us all, as New Zealanders, another opportunity to puff out our chest when the anthem trumpet sounded. He was our most prized possession and our most beloved national figure – our hero. When ever we did some feat we all, out loud or to ourselves, ushered those most famous and humble words, “we finally knocked the bastard off.”
For generations his name has been a household one. Eagerly followed and keenly loved. This nation has opened its heart to its fellow compatriot, and through and through he continued to warrant our love and respect.
He mastered the Antarctic with Kiwi tractors which gave us another reason to hone in on our Kiwi Ingenuity. He did extensive work in Nepal who returned the thanks by making him an honorary citizen. Even last January, at 87, he went back to the Antarctic which proved to us all just how remarkable he was.
In my mind, and in many others, he was our most beloved New Zealander, our “greatest Son”. Today we have lost, tomorrow we will mourn, forever we will remember.
Rest in Peace, Sir Ed. You will be sorely missed.
