A visit from a true New Zealand hero | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Graeme Tod, our man on the ice was on hand to see Sir Edmund Hillary arrive on Ross Island this week to attend the commemoration of the Air New Zealand crash into Mt Erebus 25 years ago.

Mr Tod, from Greytown, who is working at the base as a services manager reports that Sir Ed's RNZAF C130 arrived in murky conditions as Antarctica turned on a dull day for his return to the base he started in 1956/57.

While in Antarctica Sir Ed will carry out some sightseeing and visit various science events out on the continent. During his week at Scott Base he will also open the Hillary Field Centre, which is under construction. This facility will increase the volume of the base by a third and is by far the largest construction job ever carried out there.

Sir Ed is accompanied by his son-in-law, David Hayman and personal physician Terry Richardson. The rest of the entourage, including Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff, Italian Ambassador Liana Marolla, the board of directors for Antarctica New Zealand and the Italian programme board of directors, all arrived on the same flight.

Both TVNZ and TV3 are covering the visit.

In addition to news items TVNZ's Mark Sainsbury is also filming for a documentary that will mark the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year.

Tomorrow, the Rev Peter Beck, the Dean of Christchurch Cathedral, will conduct a service on Mt Erebus.

He will be accompanied by Mr Goff to commemorate the crash of the Air New Zealand DC 10.

On return to Scott Base Mr Beck will conduct a commemorative service on the base followed by lunch.

In an email to the Times-Age Mr Tod said: "Sir Ed is in fine fettle and although a little hard of hearing, age seems to be treating him kindly given the extremes that he has put his body through over the years.

"He has a ready smile and a glint in his eye. As we passed through The Gap on our drive from the ice runway to Scott Base he was straining to get the first view of a base for which he has a lot of very fond memories.

"While it is obviously an exciting day for Sir Ed all the staff at Scott Base feel honoured to be here during his visit. Everyone knows his contribution to the continent and to our nation's history. He is our nation's last great hero and it is a privilege to pass time with him here on Ross Island."