Sir Ed's name at centre of mountain battle

It's believed those against the change to the South Ridge of Aoraki-Mt Cook may want something grander for Sir Edmund Hillary but his family believe the choice is fitting. Photo / Dynabee

Sir Edmund Hillary's family is standing by a proposal to name a ridge on Aoraki-Mt Cook after him - even if the public appears against the idea.

The New Zealand Geographic Board has proposed naming the South Ridge of the country's highest peak "Hillary Ridge", after narrowing down a list of several geographic features suggested for honouring Sir Ed.

Sir Ed, Harry Ayres, Mick Sullivan and Ruth Adams made the first ascent of the South Ridge on February 5, 1948 - a link Sir Ed's family consider special.

However, of the 47 public submissions received by the board, 36 object and only 11 are in support. Submissions close at the end of the month. It is likely some submitters favour grander features being named after Sir Ed.

Sir Ed's daughter, Sarah Hillary, said she could not comment without knowing the content of submissions.

"My brother and I think that the renaming of the South Ridge of Aoraki would be ideal because the climb meant so much to our father," she said.

"I am sure that the Geographic Board will be able to assess the submissions for their worth and make the right decision."

Geographic Board chairman Don Grant said the South Ridge emerged as the most appropriate choice of those originally suggested by the public.

"The board believes this is ... befitting a great New Zealand mountaineer and adventurer. For people to be able to clearly see this ridge makes it very much a commemorative feature that people can relate to."

A summary of the public submissions will be available after the board's first meeting next year.

Sir Ed died in January 2008, more than 54 years after he and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay conquered Mt Everest.