Condolence books to honour Sir Edmund

From City Scene, published on 20 January, 2008

Auckland City Mayor Hon John Banks signing a condolence book.

Auckland City Mayor Hon John Banks (right) was one of the first people to sign one of two condolence books that the council has provided for people wanting to write a personal message to the Hillary family after the death of Sir Edmund on Friday, 11 January. One book is available to sign in the reception area of the Auckland Town Hall between 9.30am and 4pm on Monday, 21 and Tuesday, 22 January – with a second book available at the Auckland City Council service centre on Waiheke Island until 22 January.

The state funeral for Sir Edmund will be held at Parnell's St Mary's Cathedral on Tuesday, 22 January at 11am. "Sir Edmund Hillary's outstanding contribution to New Zealand will be remembered and greatly admired forever," says Mr Banks. "Sir Edmund Hillary was made a distinguished citizen of Auckland city in 2003 and he will be sadly missed as a truly inspiring role model for everything good about New Zealand. Our sincere condolences go to Lady Hillary and their family at this sad time."