Celebration of Mountaineering Milestone by unsung Kiwi Hero

Monday, 4th May, 2015

Celebration of Mountaineering Milestone by unsung Kiwi Hero

New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) is hosting an event in Christchurch on Wednesday, to mark the 60th Anniversary of the first ascent of the world’s 3rd highest peak, Mt Kangchenjunga (8,586m).

On the 26th of May, 1955, Mt Kangchenjunga - slightly lower than Mount Everest, but much more difficult to climb - was first climbed by four men – including New Zealander Norman Hardie, QSO.

“Nearly all New Zealanders are familiar with Hillary and Everest, but have never heard of Norman Hardie and Mt Kangchenjunga,” said NZAC General Manager, Sam Newton.

“Over 100 of his friends and contemporaries will gather in Christchurch on Wednesday to mark the 60th anniversary.”

“As a Life Member and past-President of NZAC, Norman Hardie is one of the most respected mountaineers in New Zealand. We are very much looking forward to him giving a slide show and his reminisces of the Expedition.”

NZAC has engaged the services of Manu Media to have the lecture and slides professionally filmed and edited. A digital film will ensure that this remarkable achievement by a New Zealander and important era in mountaineering history is preserved forever and available to all.

Background

Norman Hardie (b.1924) is a New Zealand civil engineer who has lived a fascinating life. He paid his was through university by shooting deer in rugged terrain. After graduating he worked on hydro-electric projects among the mountains and, with a strong group of friends, made many first ascents on major summits in the Southern Alps. Eventually, London and the Himalayas beckoned, and Norman served as a secretary to the 1953 British Expedition to Everest. Two years later he led one of the two summit pairs that made the first ascent of Kangchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Norman played an important part in three expeditions with Sir Edmund Hillary and was a director of his Himalayan Trust. He went to Antarctica three times, including as the leader of Scott Base, and was also involved in many mountain rescues.

The New Zealand Alpine Club was formed in 1891 and aims to promote and support climbing at all levels within New Zealand. The club has over 3,300 members, ten regional sections and five full-time staff based at its headquarters in Christchurch. The scope of its activities are broad including publishing, the provision of 17 alpine huts and base lodges, instruction, advocacy, travel insurance and support for overseas climbing expeditions.

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