Good Bye, Hillary

"Sir Ed described himself as an average New Zealander with modest abilities. In reality, he was a colossus. He was an heroic figure who not only 'knocked off' Everest but lived a life of determination, humility, and generosity," Prime Minister Clark said in announcing his death.

"The legendary mountaineer, adventurer, and philanthropist is the best-known New Zealander ever to have lived," she said.