On 20 July 2019, Sir Ed would have turned 100. The centenary offers a unique opportunity to celebrate our greatest New Zealand hero. It also offers an opportunity to continue Sir Ed’s legacy in Nepal – his work through the Himalayan Trust to improve education and health for communities in the remote, mountainous regions of Nepal.

To mark Sir Ed’s centenary year, the Himalayan Trust is organising a series of events, including our special gala dinner on July 17, commemorative treks, the centenary Summit Challenge and a speaker tour later this year.

This centenary year provides a unique opportunity to inspire a new generation of New Zealanders through Sir Ed’s example of generosity, adventure and his “can-do” attitude to helping others. As we prepare to celebrate this special year, there can be no better time to have the support of another of our most inspiring New Zealanders – our Patron Helen Clark. We are delighted that Helen Clark will help us champion our centenary message.

The following events are taking place around the country thanks to the Hillary Centenary Steering Committee:

With the support of Creative New Zealand, Composer Gareth Farr has created an orchestral work in Sir Ed’s honour entitled Roar Of A Thousand Tigers. The title comes from Sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s description to Sir Edmund Hillary of the violent, high altitude icy winds that buffet the uppermost slopes of Mount Everest. The symphony will be performed by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra in Christchurch on 27 July 2019.

A reception at Parliament in Wellington on 23 July is also in the planning.

Also being launched this year to mark the centenary is a stunning new book EVEREST Reflections on the Solukhumbu with photos by Sujoy Das and text by Lisa Choegyal, New Zealand’s Honorary Consul to Nepal.

Proceeds raised through sales of the book will go towards the work of one of our key partners, Himalayan Trust Nepal.

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