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Tractor ride to save Hillary hut

Publish Date
Tue, 23 Aug 2016, 9:32AM

Tractor ride to save Hillary hut

Publish Date
Tue, 23 Aug 2016, 9:32AM

Campaigners are embarking on adventure this morning to save an icon of New Zealand's polar heritage.

A fundraiser, called Expedition South, will head out this morning on a 2000 kilometre trip around New Zealand on three tractors to raise the $1 million needed to save the Antarctic hut established by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1957.

The explorer and his team built the hut as a stop-off and supply point for British explorer Sir Vivian Fuchs, who was attempting the almost 3500 kilometre crossing of the continent.

A leaky roof and exposed asbestos are some of the problems threatening its stability.

The tractor journey will start at Sir Ed's bach at Piha this morning, and will finish at Mt Cook just below Hilary's Ridge

One of the tractor's drivers, Al Fastier, hopes the renovations could turn the hut into an attraction.

"It's right next door to the New Zealand scientific base, so not only can staff and scientists visit, but tourists can also visit the site.

The trust has organised the fundraising drive in order to repair the dilapidated hut, and maintain it for the next 25 years.

Members of the public are also being encouraged to donate a $5 note, which bears the famous explorers picture.

The campaign coincides with the screening of the first episode of a six-part TV series about Sir Edmund.

Peter Hillary said producer Carmen Leonard and director Danny Mulheron have done an amazing job telling the story of his father, paying attention to the tone of the story and the personalities of those being portrayed.

"I feel very indebted to them for listening to us and integrating a lot of those components into the story," he said.

"I think they've done a terrific job!"

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