Mt Cook - A Big Challenge For New Legs

Mountaineer, Mark Inglis, was congratulated today by Carter Holt Harvey, sponsor of his hi-tech climbing legs, on his return from his summit attempt of Mt Cook.

Inglis did not make it to the summit as he had aimed to, due to difficult climbing conditions.

“However, he did make it to the Linda Shelf, at about 10,000ft, which was an amazing effort given he was climbing on two prosthetic legs, says expedition leader and mountain guide Charlie Hobbs.

CHH Kinleith, a Carter Holt Harvey business, supported the Mt Cook expedition through the funding of the innovative climbing prosthetics developed by Christchurch based Britten engineer Wayne Alexander.

The prosthetic legs are constructed of a mix of titanium, carbon fibre, spring steel and rubber.

CHH Kinleth CE Brice Landman says the company was proud to support Mark Inglis’ Mt Cook climb, 19 years after his last expedition cost him both his legs.

"Some will ask what climbing Mt Cook has to do with manufacturing, marketing and selling Pulp and Paper. Every day we look for ways to encourage our people to reach for bigger goals, to think outside the square and to lead and inspire their staff to reach their full potential. This sponsorship certainly embraces those values," he said.

In addition, innovation is a key pillar in the company strategy. The work with Inglis reinforces the company commitment to finding innovative ways to reach new goals.

Kinleith's involvement with Mark and Britten Motorcycles' Wayne Alexander began in November last year when the duo were speakers at the Pulp & Paper
Management Conference in Wellington.

The main theme of the conference was innovation and delivering profitable value to the customer.

The South Island pair gave insightful presentations on the unique and innovative partnership that led to Mark's hi-tech cycling legs, which helped him to the silver medal at the Paralympics in Sydney.

“Kinleith is working to get its people to generate new and innovative products, methods and services to better deliver our business, says Landman.

“It’s about being smarter, faster and better. Mark’s innovative attitude to the Mt Cook expedition and his determination to overcome the barriers, are a wonderful reflection of our business values.

“We are delighted to have had a supporting role in this great adventure.”

ENDS

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