Supporters:

This expedition was a successful applicant for funding from SPARC (Sport and Recreation NZ). This Hillary Expedition Grant will be used to cover some of the expenses of operating on the mountain.

SPARC awards grants to teams of inspiring adventurers through its Hillary Expedition initiative. The grants, which in the 2008/09 round ranged from $5,000 through to $20,000, aim to encourage and support Kiwis in their adventures in the great outdoors in New Zealand and around the world.

SPARC’s vision is to see everyone, every day, enjoying and excelling through sport and recreation. Its mission is to create a sport and recreation environment where more New Zealanders participate, support and win. The Hillary Expeditions initiative was launched in 2002. A spokeswoman said SPARC had been thrilled to be able to use Sir Edmund Hillary’s name for the initiative as his courageous and proud spirit epitomised what the quintessential Kiwi stood for. SPARC says there is no doubt that the spirit of the kiwi adventurer is alive and well, as the expeditions receiving Hillary Expedition grants show. These modern day explorers will be challenging themselves physically and mentally to achieve their goals.

To qualify for a grant, expeditions had to include any one or combination of the following activities: tramping, mountaineering, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, white water and/or sea kayaking, mountain biking, and sailing.

SPARC is the government agency charged with promoting, encouraging and supporting sport and physical recreation in New Zealand.

All caving on the expedition observes the NZSS (New Zealand Speleological Society) Guidelines for Conservation and Protection of Caves