The ice axe Hillary used to climb Mount Everest in 1953 is now on display at the Auckland Museum. Photo / Martin Sykes
The world is a better place for the experience and contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary, says Sir Paul Reeves.
"For me, Ed was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. Ordinary in the sense that he was one of us and we could identify with him."
The former
Governor-General and Anglican Archbishop was one of about the mourners who yesterday remembered Sir Ed on the first anniversary of his death during the morning service at Holy Trinity Cathedral Parnell.
In his sermon, Archdeacon Michael Smart recalled that at Sir Edmund's state funeral a great crowd had come to reflect on his life.
"One aspect of Ed's leadership was his desire to remain one of the team.
"Some called that humility, others saw it as the mark of a person who understood leadership is not about self serving.
"The world desperately needs leadership like that ... Jesus washed his disciples' feet - not the other way round."
Prayers were offered in thanks for Sir Edmund's courage, humanity and service to others.
Sir Edmund's family spent the anniversary privately reflecting on his life at the family bach at Anawhata, on Auckland's west coast.
About 100 people attended the cathedral service. Visitors from Somerset in England, Beryl and Nigel Crocker, said they attended the service for a New Zealander who made a big impression on them when he climbed Mt Everest with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay in 1953.
Last year, a state funeral service was also held for Sir Edmund at Windsor Castle, near London.
His Order of the Garter banner from the castle chapel is displayed in St Mary's Church in the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Meanwhile, there continue to be calls for a lasting tribute to Sir Ed.
Former Auckland City councillor Greg McKeown writes in today's Herald that a tribute should be planned on Auckland's waterfront.
Other ideas from Herald readers include renaming the Southern Alps the Hillary Alps and changing the name of the country's international gateway to Sir Edmund Hillary International Airport.
