Hillary Ridge Proposed as a Fitting Memorial

A ridge on Aoraki / Mount Cook, first climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1948 with Harry Ayres, is proposed to be renamed Hillary Ridge in commemoration of the great mountaineer.

The New Zealand Geographic Board Ngā Pou Taunaha o Aotearoa – New Zealand's place naming authority – yesterday considered several proposals to assign the late climber’s name to a significant geographic feature within New Zealand.

Dr Don Grant, Chairman of the Board, said the proposals were mostly for alpine mountain features. However, one proposal – renaming 'South Ridge' to 'Hillary Ridge' – emerged as the most appropriate choice, Dr Grant said.

"The late Sir Edmund Hillary made the first ascent of South Ridge in February 1948, so this peak has significant association and connection with him," Dr Grant said.

"The Board believes this is an appropriate memorial, and one befitting a great New Zealand mountaineer and adventurer."

The Board proposed the feature, currently named South Ridge, be renamed to Hillary Ridge and that the proposal proceed to public consultation. Consultation will begin in late August or early September and will last for three months.

The altered name will become official when it is gazetted following final determination by the Board or the Minister for Land Information depending on the consideration of submissions received.

Dr Grant said as well as the association between the late Sir Edmund Hillary and the ridge, the feature was also easily identifiable to the public. South Ridge is a prominent feature of Aoraki / Mount Cook, visible from the Aoraki / Mount Cook village and surrounding area.

"For people to be able to clearly see this ridge, makes it very much a commemorative feature that people can relate to."

Sir Edmund Hillary wrote about his ascent of South Ridge in the New Zealand Alpine Journal in June 1948, describing it as an arduous climb. "I...found it rather a nerve-wracking sensation to lie in a sleeping-bag and see the South Ridge outlined against the sky, with all its steepness and difficulties magnified by the darkness."

The party didn’t linger long at the top. "A few minutes for photographs, a wave or two to the Hermitage, and we rushed down the ice-cap to the west, to find a sheltered spot out of the wind," he wrote.

Dr Grant said interest in naming a feature after the late Sir Edmund Hillary had been high, and it was important people have their say over the proposed Hillary Ridge. The Hillary family has previously indicated its support for the name.

Read more about the Hillary Ridge Naming Proposal.