New Zealand's highest peak may be named after Everest conqueror Edmund Hillary

Wellington, Aug.5 (ANI): A prominent ridge on Aoraki/Mount Cook, first climbed by Everest conqueror Sir Edmund Hillary more than 60 years ago, is proposed to be renamed Hillary Ridge.

The New Zealand Geographic Board has proposed the name change for South Ridge, which is visible from the Aoraki/Mount Cook village and surrounding area, which Sir Ed climbed in 1948 with Harry Ayres, the New Zealand Herald reports.

At 3754 meters Aoraki/Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest peak.

Chairman Don Grant said the board considered seven proposals for naming a landmark after Sir Ed and South Ridge emerged as the most appropriate choice.

The peak had a significant association with Sir Ed and the ridge was also easily identifiable to the public, he said.

The Hillary family has previously indicated its support for the name.

Public consultation on the name change will begin in late August or early September and will last for three months.

Sir Ed, who died in January 2008 at the age of 88, with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1953. (ANI)