-
Related
Sir Edmund Hillary's children are taking legal action to regain control of their father's memorabilia.
The move comes as the relationship between the family and the Auckland War Memorial Museum has reportedly deteriorated amid conflict about control of Sir Ed's diaries, writings, and family photographs.
In his will, Sir Ed bequeathed his personal papers to the museum with the proviso that his children would have access to the material as they saw fit.
Peter Hillary spoke on Friday of a "clear breakdown" in the family's relationship with museum director Vanda Vitali. He and his sister Sarah have not been consulted on the museum's plans for the material.
"Even more disturbing" is the museum's intention to claim intellectual property rights over it, he said.
This have forced the family to reluctantly take action in the High Court at Auckland in order to have Sir Ed's wishes fulfilled.
Hillary says the family have been aware for decades that Sir Ed planned to give diaries and photographs to the museum.
"We've always been very positive about it. It seemed like the most appropriate place (for them) to go," he told Radio New Zealand.
"But we never anticipated the museum not being in absolute partnership with us."
Hillary says the family was "all set" to give many more items to the museum but this was now jeopardised.
"What they've made very clear is that they say these materials belong to them.
"They can do whatever they like with them in terms of publishing or exhibiting.
"The reality is.. .they are Sarah's and my history and we need to be able to comment on how some of these things are used."
He gave the example of photos taken around the time of the air crash which killed his mother Louise and sister Belinda in 1975.
"Certainly during our lifetimes I would like to be consulted about how images of my mother and sister are used.
"All I'm saying is show a little respect and consideration for our family."
The museum haa certainly not tried to create a good partnership with the family, Hillary says.
"I just can't imagine, if you look into the future, how we're going to work together."
Do Sarah and Peter Hillary have a point? How do you feel
about this issue? Share your opinion on our messagebaord
below.
Add a Comment:
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.