Hillary's house arrives at college

The house arrives at Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Sir Edmund Hillary's house has arrived at the south Auckland school bearing his name.

The house was gifted to the school by Auckland businessman Terry Jarvis, who bought it and the valuable Remuera property it was built on for $1.5 million in March last year.

Built by the first conqueror of Mt Everest and Lady Louise Hillary in 1956, the house's future was the subject of some debate shortly after the property was sold to Mr Jarvis, a neighbour, who was reportedly keen to extend his garden.

But it was confirmed in December last year that Mr Jarvis had indicated he would gift the house to Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, a decile one school in Otara.

School commissioner Gail Thomson yesterday said the house would be rebuilt as the Sir Edmund Hillary Leadership Centre, where leadership programmes would be delivered.

"Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate is privileged to have been donated this very significant symbol of New Zealand history," she said.

"The achievements of Sir Edmund Hillary will continue to provide significant motivation and inspiration for the young people of our country."

Ms Thomson said fund raising was under way to meet the cost of the removal, one of which was an event on June 12 where members of the public could buy a commemorative brick from the house.

She said some corporate sponsorship had been promised and further support was being sought for the programmes and the centre.

- NZPA