Mt Cook Ridge Renamed

Mt Cook’s South Ridge will be renamed the Hillary Ridge in honour of Sir Edmund Hillary, the Everest conqueror. Announcing the change, Land Information Minister Maurice Williamson said: “Sir Edmund made an enormous contribution to our country and abroad, and it is befitting and appropriate that his contribution is acknowledged in this way. Altering the name South Ridge to Hillary Ridge will further cement Sir Edmund’s place in New Zealand’s history.” The name change will become official when it is gazetted on August 18. The 3754m Mt Cook, named after the celebrated 18th-century British explorer, is also known by its Maori name of Aoraki, which translates as “Cloud Piercer”.