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Kiwis were yesterday reaching for a way to remember Sir Edmund Hillary, including calls for a new public holiday.
Talkback, websites, those visiting Sir Ed's Orewa statue, and those signing the book of condolence in Parliament, were among those who wanted a national holiday to recall the man known for decades as the "greatest living New Zealander".
Raey and Margaret Butterworth, 65 and 68 of Wellington, finished signing the condolence book to tell the Herald on Sunday there should be some way of "celebrating his life".
"We should have a Hillary Day," said Margaret Butterworth. "They should rename Waitangi Day Hillary Day."
Prime Minister Helen Clark said she had given "no consideration" yet to a public holiday while National leader John Key suggested co-naming a mountain after Sir Ed.
Auckland mayor John Banks also said some form of honour should be considered for "arguably the greatest New Zealander" after discussion with his family.
Far North District Mayor Wayne Brown dismissed the idea of a holiday, saying New Zealanders should contribute funds towards Hillary's charitable works in Nepal instead.
Jim Edwards, chief executive of the National Beekeepers' Association of New Zealand, said of Sir Ed, perhaps the most famous beekeeper: "Perhaps a day named after him, rather than a holiday, but certainly he should be remembered on an annual basis."
Edwards said May 29, the day Hillary reached Everest's summit , would be a suitable day.
New Zealand Mountain Guides Association vice-president Aaron Halstead said, "The greatest thing, to make him happy, would be to follow through with his trusts and charities."
Bronwyn Dalley, chief historian for the Ministry of Culture and Heritage said there was no precedent for a public holiday for a notable Kiwi.
