KEY POINTS:
The Rev Ross Bay, Dean of Auckland, said the final details of Sir Edmund's funeral service had been arranged after nine days of intense preparation and planning.
"It will be a very good occasion, one that we believe is going to be a very fitting tribute to Sir
Ed in the music that's included, the things that are read, the tributes that are made by family and friends," he said.
"I think [the service] will allow us as a nation to remember well, and to honour, and to make our farewells."
The Hillary family wished for a culturally inclusive service.
The Anglican Bishop of Auckland, John Paterson, who will officiate the state funeral service, said the eyes of the world would be on New Zealand during the service.
"For decades, Sir Edmund has been the most trusted, the most respected New Zealander, and this is providing an opportunity for the people of the nation to pay their respects to Sir Ed in a respectful and worthwhile manner."
STATE FUNERAL SERVICE SCHEDULE
8.45am: Casket taken from the Cathedral to St Mary's in Holy Trinity in a short ceremonial procession.
10am: Doors to St Mary's and the Cathedral are opened.
10.30am: Guests seated in St Mary's and the Cathedral in readiness for the State Funeral Service.
10.45am: Arrival of VIPs and guests of Government.
10.50am: Arrival of Lady Hillary, Governor-General Anand Satyanand, Prime Minister Helen Clark, Professor Peter Davis, Peter Hillary, Sarah Hillary, members of the Hillary and Mulgrew families and Sherpa party.
11am: State Funeral Service begins, officiated by John Paterson, Bishop of Auckland; Ross Bay, Dean of Auckland; and Peter Beck, Dean of Christchurch.
ORDER OF SERVICE
* A medley of Sir Ed's favourite music.
* Readings by the Governor-General and a member of the Hillary family.
* Tributes by Prime Minister Helen Clark, members of the Hillary family, Norbu Tenzing Norgay, Jim Wilson and Mr Beck.
* Final blessing by Bishop Paterson.
* The Recessional: the Bishop of Auckland, the Dean of Auckland and the Dean of Christchurch lead the casket procession from the church to the Cathedral forecourt.
* A piper will play Abide With Me, and Sir Ed will be farewelled with a guard of honour formed by students from Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, Otara.
* The funeral cortege will leave the Cathedral forecourt and travel along the procession route.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
