First Sir Edmund, now Sir Barry knocks one off

By STUART DYE

Mt Everest, Himalayas, 1953. 8848m above sea level. A swirling blizzard and temperatures reaching minus 25 degrees.

Mangere Mountain, Manukau, 2003. 106m. Mainly fine with a chance of showers. High of 17 degrees.

The two worlds could not be further apart.

But tomorrow the gulf will be narrowed in a symbolic gesture by the people of Manukau.

City Mayor Sir Barry Curtis will climb Mangere Mountain in a re-enactment of Sir Edmund Hillary's historic ascent 50 years ago.

Despite Everest dwarfing the South Auckland mountain by more than 83 times, Sir Barry said the symbolic journey was important as the council was keen to take part in the Summit Day celebrations.

It is an event being repeated throughout the country as city dignitaries are joined by local schoolchildren and the community to conquer several of New Zealand's peaks, including Mt Victoria in Devonport, Mt Atkinson in Titirangi and Mt Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Trust has placed diaries at Westpac branches so personal messages of congratulation can be left for Sir Edmund, who is in Nepal to celebrate the milestone.

Messages would be recorded and relayed to the mountaineer via radio.

The trust chairwoman, former Governor-General Dame Cath Tizard, said Summit Day was a unique opportunity for New Zealanders to celebrate Sir Edmund's achievements.


Climbs in the region

* Mt Victoria, North Shore: Meet at Kerr St 1pm.

* Mt Atkinson, Titirangi: Meet at The Drive, 11am.

* Mangere Mountain, Manukau: Meet at the carpark, 11am.

* Mt Maunganui, Tauranga: Meet 7am.