29 May 2014

Hillary leadership home opens

3:26 pm on 29 May 2014

Sir Edmund Hillary's restored home has been officially opened as a centre for leadership in South Auckland, coinciding with the adventurer's conquering of Mt Everest in May 1953.

Lady June, centre, and daughter Susan Hayman.

Lady June, centre, and daughter Susan Hayman. Photo: RNZ / Natasha Bayler

The house, built by Sir Edmund in 1956, was moved from its Remuera site to Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate in 2011.

It was gifted to the school by the Auckland businessman Terry Jarvis, who bought the property in 2010, and has been rebuilt as the Hillary House Leadership Centre on the Otara school grounds.

Sir Edmund's son Peter Hillary officially opened the centre on Thursday, saying he hopes his father's achievements can inspire young people to become leaders and adventurers.

Students performed a waiata at the opening.

Students performed a waiata at the opening. Photo: RNZ / Natasha Bayler