The event was jointly-organised by the Non-Resident Nepali Association New Zealand (NRNANZ), Nepal NZ Friendship Society of Canterbury, and Canterbury Nepalese Society.
With over 500 people attending, the highlight of the evening was honouring of Mark Inglis, the first double-amputee to climb the highest peak in the world, and Mr Ang Kazi Sherpa, who has completed the record-breaking ascent six times. Later, both Everest summiteers, in their speeches, noted the Kiwi connection with Nepalese people, and the shared bond between the two countries.
Mr Ang Kazi Sherpa, who has climbed Mount Everest six times, sharing his experiences with the audience
A fact then highlighted by Rajesh Dhakal, Professor of Earthquake Engineering at the University of Canterbury, who detailed on “Post 2015 Gorkha (Nepal) earthquake recovery of Nepal: Help from NZ”.
“As part of NZ4Nepal Campaign, we were able to collect and donate about $150,000 for the earthquake rebuild. A team of experts – including me – was also sent to Nepal to advise the Nepalese Government on building specifications, counselling, raising public awareness, as well as on how to improve earthquake engineering studies in the Nepalese universities. There were other initiatives such as support from the Student Volunteer Army, Fill a Container donation campaign, and fund-raising efforts like roller derbies. In summary, Kiwis stood with the Nepalese people like true friends in our hour of need,” the professor informed.Meanwhile, Mr Inglis, sharing details of the work his foundation limbs4all is doing in Nepal, added, “Both countries, in-spite of their small sizes, have always shown a can-do attitude.”
The chief guest, Labour MP from Christchurch East, Poto Williams, on her part called on her fellow Kiwis to honour and recognise the contributions made by Tenzing Norgay. “In this country, we have always loved, admired, and adored Sir Edmund Hillary. I think it’s long overdue that we recognise Mr Tenzing Norgay’s immense contribution in mountaineering as well, as both of them together scaled the world’s highest peak for the first-time-ever.”
Bishal Sapkota, Secretary of NRNANZ, describing the evening as a great success, concluded, “Apart from the above, we also used this opportunity to show case and promote Nepalese tourism, culture, tradition and food among local New Zealanders and other wider communities through a Nepalese Culture Night, which followed right after the formal programme. It featured six cultural – music and dance – performances representing different regions of Nepal including the Maruni dance, Newari Dance, Rai dance and Sakela Dance.”