Tribute to this generation's hero

Moana Fono, 17, is similar to thousands of other teenagers across New Zealand.

The Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate pupil is studying chemistry, biology and maths and is busy working towards exams.

But tomorrow, with the rest of the school, she will join the summit day celebrations, marking an event that happened a generation ago.

There may not be quite the same excitement as when Sir Edmund conquered Mt Everest in 1953, but Miss Fono still has a sense of awe for the man who first stood at the roof of the world.

"We've heard heaps of stories about him - not just climbing the mountain, but also about how he helped build schools and hospitals in Nepal," she said.

"He also came to our school assembly, which was really cool because he obviously has heaps to do."

The Otara school - motto: Toward far horizons - is undergoing an extensive construction project at the end of which it will have new classrooms, a technology block, two gymnasiums, a whare and administration facilities.

"When you hear about what Sir Edmund did it's inspiring," said 17-year-old Ihaka Taylor.

"If it was not for him this school would be totally different or not even here."