Advocate calls for ‘Hillary Weekend’

Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Sunday, 31 May 2009

Advocate calls for ‘Hillary Weekend’ to replace Queen’s Birthday

An Auckland business advocate is calling for the Government to consider renaming Queen’s Birthday Weekend ‘Hillary Weekend’ – a move he claims would gain popular support.

“This would satisfy business which raised concerns about the cost of an additional public holiday, the Hillary family who do not want a big statue or to burden the taxpayer, and the New Zealand public still hungry to honour Sir Ed,” says Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association.

“The previous Government’s initiatives announced last year were worthy, but none of them significant enough to resonate with the public. In 100 years time when New Zealand school children ask about Hillary Weekend, a real story can be told. There is no story behind Queen’s Birthday Weekend, other than it’s not actually the monarch’s birthday.

Mr Brewer, a self-described monarchist, says this is not about shunning the Queen.

“Britain doesn’t event take a public holiday to celebrate the monarch’s birthday. What’s more the Queen’s actual birthday is in April. The June celebration harks back to the birthday of her grandfather George V who was born on 3 June. It’s going to be even more bizarre when Prince Charles takes the throne because his actual birthday is in November.”

Mr Brewer says the first Monday in June is a perfect time to remember Sir Edmund Hillary and his achievements.

“It is very close to the anniversary of the 1953 ascent of Mt Everest which is 29 May. Outside the end of war, the Everest ascent was the greatest news New Zealand has ever received. It was a very special time then and should always be a focal point going forward.”

Mr Brewer is calling on the Government and media to test public opinion on the suggestion. He says 18 months following Sir Ed’s death, the public is holding on to Hillary’s legacy more than ever, as has been evident with the coverage and response around the Hillary family’s battle with the Auckland Museum. 

“I think it has got the potential to be the perfect outcome. It’s a living memorial as the Hillary family are keen for, doesn’t cost employees or taxpayers one extra cent, and elevates Sir Ed to a place befitting of New Zealand’s greatest ever citizen,” says Cameron Brewer.

Ends