Tell us about conquering your own Everest

Manukau residents have the opportunity to nominate their own personal hero for a special award to celebrate "My Everest" - a Manukau City council initiative to celebrate Summit Day.

Summit Day - Thursday, May 29th - is the day New Zealand recognises the achievement of Sir Edmund Hillary in conquering Mt Everest, 50 years ago.

Local communities throughout the country are organising special events to give a local flavour to Summit Day. Manukau City Council is organising a My Everest campaign which honours people in the city who have overcome a major personal challenge to "conquer their own personal Everest."

Manukau Mayor, Sir Barry Curtis, said the council was keen to play its part and organise a local initiative to complement the national Summit Day event.

"This is an excellent opportunity for people in the community to nominate someone who has shown outstanding courage and commitment to overcome a particular challenge in their life and had the courage to scale their own personal Everest," said Sir Barry.

Sir Barry said there was no restriction on what type of personal achievement had been accomplished - nominations were open to everyone.

The council will recognise the finalists in a special function on Mangere Mountain on May 29 at 11:30 am as part of a nation-wide series of events. There is the possibility of the winner taking part in a telephone conversation with Sir Edmund who will be in Nepal.

If you know of someone who has overcome the odds to achieve a "personal Everest", nominate them in a letter of no more than 250 words outlining how they conquered their personal Everest. Submit all entries to "My Everest Campaign" C/- Manukau City Council Private Bag 76917 Manukau City by 4pm, Friday May 16th.

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