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Auckland museum - Source: Reuters -
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Auckland Museum has hit back at allegations it's attempting to prevent the Hillary family from accessing Sir Edmund's documents.
The late mountaineer bequeathed his writings, old diaries and thousands of family photographs to the museum, on the condition his children have access and the right to publish the material.
Peter Hillary says the museum believes it can do what it likes with the papers, without talking to the family.
But Museum Director Dr Vanda Vitali says they've never prevented the Hillary family from accessing the records.
She says they want to honour Sir Edmund's request that his family can access the documents, alongside all of New Zealand, but Peter and Sarah Hillary are seeking exclusivity in terms of access.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is offering his services to resolve a dispute between Auckland Museum and the children of Sir Edmund Hillary.
Key says the situation's quite sad and it'd be unedifying for the matter to end up in the Courts.
He says it'd be good if a solution could be found before that happens and if his office could play a role in helping mediation he'd be happy to do that.
Key says in the end if the two parties want to go to Court he can't stop them.
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Post new commentturny013 said on 2009-05-16 @ 13:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Oh my, how could the Musueum folk get it so wrong and out of step with a nation. Just back up guys, apologise to tthe Hillary family and all New Zealanders. This is our Sir Ed - show respect Just apologise please
Chris01 said on 2009-05-16 @ 07:23 NZDT: Report abusive post
Who does Vanda Vitali think she is? She is grossly insensitive and clearly less than adept at managing. Where is her ability to collaborate and negotiate? Why isn't she showing some leadership here? One has to question whether she is suitable for the job she has? This is a storm in a teacup which should have been easily resolved and will forever be a black mark against Miss Vitali's name regardless of the legal outcome.
sandman said on 2009-05-15 @ 23:21 NZDT: Report abusive post
I agree, Sir Edmund would be appalled, he would be appalled with the behaviour of his children not accepting the provisions of his last will & testament.