Sir Edmund Hillary's former home is to be removed from its site in Auckland's Remuera and transported south to a school bearing the late explorer and mountaineer's name.
After Sir Ed's death early last year, his house and property was purchased by a neighbour, businessman Terry Jarvis, who said he was keen to extend his garden.
The Hillary house faced an uncertain fate and mountaineer Graeme Dingle has been trying to arrange taking it off Mr Jarvis' hands and get it shifted somewhere it could be used.
Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate commissioner Gail Thomson said today she was pleased to confirm a deal had been struck with Mr Jarvis which would see the house partially disassembled and transported to the decile one Otara School.
Ms Thomson said it would be used as a leadership centre for students and it was intended that other schools and the community would also be able to use it.
The cost of the move and restoration, believed to be up to $200,000, will be met by the Ministry of Education, a donation from Mr Jarvis and corporate funding which the school is looking to raise.
Ms Thomson said securing the house was a big win for the school and community, and was grateful to Mr Jarvis for his generosity. She said it was hoped the building would be ready for use by the end of term one next year.
