27 March 2003 Media Statement

Parliament to honour Sir Edmund Hillary

Prime Minister Helen Clark said today that official functions will be held in Wellington on Monday to honour Sir Edmund Hillary and his fifty years of achievement since ascending Mt Everest.

At midday on Monday, Sir Edmund and Lady Hillary will travel from Ballance St on to Lambton Quay in central Wellington, and then on to Parliament. They will be accompanied by members of the Nepalese, Indian, Sikh, and Solomon Island communities, and representatives of the mountaineering community.

At Parliament the party will be met by Helen Clark, followed by a powhiri and speeches. Following that, there will be an official luncheon in the Beehive Banquet Hall.

Helen Clark said that Sir Edmund’s achievements as a climber and explorer were immense.

“He has also made an enormous contribution to the people of Nepal through his charitable works. All New Zealanders can take huge pride in his achievements.

“Monday’s parade and luncheon are part of a series of events organised in New Zealand and overseas around the fiftieth anniversary of Sir Edmund’s ascent of Mt Everest on 29 May to honour his achievements.

“These events are evidence of the enormous regard and affection in which Sir Edmund is held, not only in New Zealand but also throughout the world where he is regarded in the highest esteem.

“Monday’s ceremony gives the people of Wellington and New Zealand an opportunity to thank Sir Edmund for the contribution he has made to New Zealand, and to wish him, Lady Hillary and his family, all the best for the years ahead,” Helen Clark said.

Members of the public are invited to be part of Monday’s parade through central Wellington, and to witness the ceremony on the steps of Parliament.

ENDS

Parade and Public Celebration to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tensing

31 March 2003

Parade to Parliament Grounds

12.05
Parade participants assemble on Balance Street in the following order:

1. Police Lead Car
2. Central Band RNZAF
3. Sir Edmund Hillary and Lady Hillary in an open roof car
4. Members of the Nepalese Community in traditional dress
5. Members of the Indian Community in traditional dress
6. Members of the Sikh Community in traditional dress
7. Members of the Solomon Island Community in traditional dress
8. Members of the mountaineering/outdoors community in appropriate dress

12.15 – 12.30
Parade commences – route and Parliament forecourt to be lined with school pupils and members of the public

Route:- step off from Ballance Street, right turn into Lambton Quay, left turn into Molesworth Street, left turn into Parliament gates on Molesworth Street. Parade concludes prior to base of main steps. Central Band moves aside

12.30
Sir Edmund and Lady Hillary are assisted from the car.

Karanga (Ceremonial Call of Welcome)

Haka Powhiri

Sir Edmund and Lady Hillary are escorted by the Kaumatua to the base of the main steps where they are greeted by the Right Honourable Helen Clark Prime Minister of New Zealand

12.35
A short cultural performance by members of the Indian Community (TBC)

12.38
Right Honourable Helen Clark Prime Minister of New Zealand moves to the podium and makes a speech of welcome

12.43
Sir Edmund Hillary is invited to the podium for a reply

12.48
Sir Edmund Hillary, Lady Hillary and assembled family members are escorted by the Prime Minister up the main steps of Parliament (also an opportunity for Sir Edmund to meet and shake hands with members of the public)

Central Band RNZAF to play background music

12.50
Sir Edmund Hillary, Lady Hillary and assembled family members move to The Speakers Suite (TBC) to refresh

Wet Weather Plans

If the weather is such that the parade cannot go ahead we plan to drive Sir Edmund and Lady Hilary to the base of the main steps of Parliament and escort them up the stairs under umbrellas.

12.45
Karanga (Ceremonial Call of Welcome)

Haka Powhiri

In entrance way

12.50
Sir Edmund and Lady Hillary are escorted by the Kaumatua where they are greeted by the Right Honourable Helen Clark Prime Minister of New Zealand

Prime Minister Helen Clark escorts Sir Edmund and Lady Hillary across the linkway, lined with members of the Nepalese, Indian and Sikh communities, to the Executive Wing to present Ministers of the Crown. The party will then proceed to the Official Lunch.

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