Events in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington from May 27 to 31
Venkat Raman
Auckland, May 22, 2023
The Nepali community in New Zealand will celebrate the 70th Anniversary of ‘Everest Day’ with festivities planned in Auckland on May 27, Hamilton on May 28 and Wellington on May 31, 2023.
The festivities will include an exhibition of a 3D Model of Mount Everest featuring Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s 1953 ascent route, speeches by renowned mountaineers and explorers, cultural performances and an auction of a $5 note signed by Sir Edmund to raise funds for the Himalayan Trust in Nepal.
Fostering common interests
Nepal’s Honorary Consul in Auckland Dinesh Khadka said that the events are being organised jointly with the Himalayan Trust to commemorate the first ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal on May 29, 1953.
“The 70th anniversary of the historic feat presents us an opportunity this year to explore areas of common interest between New Zealand and Nepal. We have requested the New Zealand government through Prime Minister Chris Hipkins to recognise May 27 as a ‘Special Day.’ Mount Everest has a significant meaning for New Zealanders as it marks the achievement of one of our own in reaching the highest point,” he said.
Describing Mount Everest as ‘an important mountain for many people around the world,’ Mr Khadka said that it has posed challenges to trekkers.
“It is also an important cultural and spiritual site for the people of the region, particularly Nepalis. Mount Everest is an important source of tourism and economic activity for the region and a reminder of the vastness and diversity of our world. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay have become the national heroes of New Zealand and Nepal respectively,” he said.
Mr Khadka echoed the sentiments of many New Zealanders in saying that Sir Edmund’s ascent of Mount Everest is a source of national pride and inspiration.
“Commemorating this achievement by designating Everest Day as a Special Day would be a testament to his legacy and the values that he embodied. Everest Day will also enable New Zealanders to reflect on the mountain’s cultural and environmental significance and celebrate the strong partnership and friendship between New Zealand and Nepal,” he said.
Sir Edmund became a source of endearment for Nepalis when he initiated the Himalayan Trust to help Sherpas who live around the Everest region by providing them with education, healthcare and social and economic awareness.
About the Everest Day
According to Mr Khadka, Everest Day is observed to promote trekking, climbing, tourism and the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and Nepal.
“Last year, 1000 people attended the events organised in six cities and this year we expect more New Zealanders to participate in the events being held in three cities. We are promoting Everest Day as a Nepali community, and we encourage all New Zealanders to take ownership of this day to make it a national event through initiatives of the government,” he said.
The Non-Resident Nepali Association New Zealand is the New Zealand Chapter of the parent body with its presence in 85 countries worldwide.
With its global headquarters based in Nepal, the Association is a national organisation in New Zealand with wide membership.
“The Association facilitates the integration of culture, societal values and traditions of the two countries. It aims to promote and protect the interests of Nepali communities in New Zealand and coordinates and collaborates with Nepali community organisations to promote and preserve Nepali culture, social values, traditions, and language. It contributes to Nepal’s socio-economic development through the intellectual, technical, financial, and human resources available in New Zealand,” Mr Khadka said.
Everest Day Events
Auckland: Organisers: Non-Resident Nepali Association New Zealand with Himalayan Trust, Honorary Consul of Nepal to New Zealand, Embassy of Nepal based in Canberra, Australia. On Saturday, May 27 from 1.30 pm to 4.30 pm at Mount Eden War Memorial Hall, 489 Dominion Road, Mount Eden. RSVP: nrnanzinc@gmail.com
Hamilton: Organisers: Nepal New Zealand Waikato Friendship Society with Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) Wellbeing and Harmony Trust of New Zealand; on Sunday, May 28, 2023 (Venue not announced)
Wellington: Organiser: The Nepalese Society of Wellington; on Wednesday, May 31 at 5.45 pm at Banquet Hall, Executive Wing, Parliament Building.
RSVP: nepalesesociety.wellington@gmail.com
