Edmund Hillary house to be relocated to school
By IANSTuesday, May 11, 2010
AUCKLAND - A house built by Edmund Hillary, the first conqueror of the world’s tallest peak Mount Everest, will be moved to a school named after the adventurer.
The house and the property it was built on was bought for $1.5 million in March 2009, and gifted to the school by Auckland businessman Terry Jarvis. It will be moved Wednesday to the Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in Otara, 20 km from Auckland.
Built by Sir Edmund and his wife, Lady Louise Hillary, in 1956, the house will be renovated as the Sir Edmund Hillary Leadership Centre.
“Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate is privileged to have been donated this very significant symbol of New Zealand history,” Gail Thomson, school commissioner, was quoted as saying by TVNZ.
“The achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary will continue to provide significant motivation and inspiration for the young people of our country,” the commissioner said.
The school is trying to collect fund to cover costs of the removal, reconstruction and relocation to its campus. A major fundraising event will be held June 12, 2010, where people would be able to buy a commemorative brick from the house.
“‘Buy A Hillary Brick Day’ will be a chance for people to own a small but unique part of the house from where many expeditions were planned. At the same time, they will be contributing to the ongoing legacy and inspiration left by Sir Edmund,” Thomson said.
