Edmund Hillary KG, ONZ, KBE (1919-2008), renowned New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, environmentalist and philanthropist, bequeathed his personal archive of papers, photographs and documents to Auckland Museum. Hillary’s work with the Sherpas and his enduring legacy in Nepal earned him the title of Surra Sahib (Big of Heart). In 1953 the order of Gorkha Dakshina was conferred on him by the King of Nepal. His stature as a heroic figure continues to grow on the international stage.