Holmes - Sir Edmund Hillary's Humanitarian Award

Television (Full Length) – 1996

Sir Edmund has dedicated his life to the people of Nepal, establishing trusts to improve health and education. He spent the past 35 years building hospitals and schools and bridges, fresh water pipelines, even an airfield.

– Paul Holmes introduces Sir Edmund Hillary’s Humanitarian of the Year award

I think I've worked quite hard for the children of Nepal, but I've never really regarded it as doing any great hardship because I’ve always enjoyed it so much. So it is a very great honour.

– Sir Edmund Hillary on the humanitarian work that earned him the award

Not only was he the first person to climb Mt Everest he was also involved in stunning Arctic explorations and he has worked tirelessly with children in Nepal and throughout the world . . . I'm sure all New Zealanders are proud of the achievements and the credit and honour he brings to this country.

– NZ Variety Club Chief Barker (President) Phillip Leishman on Hilliary’s nomination, The Waikato Times, 16 October 1996.