KATHMANDU, MAY 28
New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, who arrived here today, is visiting Khunde and Khumjung villages in Everest region on May 29, reaffirming New Zealand's long-standing commitment to the people of the Everest region.
According to the Himalayan Trust New Zealand, Peters will be accompanied by the New Zealand High Commissioner to India and Nepal, David Pine. The visit will mark a significant moment in the deep and enduring friendship between the Nepal and New Zealand.
"New Zealand's special relationship with Nepal and the Everest region is the envy of the world in some ways! The Deputy Prime Minister's visit highlights the significance of this continued bond" said Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary.
Hosted by the Himalayan Trust while in Khumbu, the delegation will visit Khunde Hospital and Khumjung School-two important projects established by Sir Edmund Hillary in the 1960s as part of his vision to support the Sherpa people following his ascent of Mount Everest. These institutions remain central to the Trust's mission of improving health, education, and resilience in this remote Himalayan region and they are representative of 43 schools, hospitals, medical clinics and forestry clinics that Ed built with the Himalayan Trust throughout Solukhumbu.
Established in 1966 by Sir Edmund Hillary and the Himalayan Trust, Khunde Hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the Everest region for nearly six decades. Located at 3,840 metres above sea level, it provides essential medical services to thousands of people in the Solukhumbu District. Once staffed by volunteer Canadian and New Zealand doctors for more than 3 decades, it is now staffed by locally trained health professionals. The hospital continues to operate year-round, offering outpatient care, emergency treatment, maternal health services, and a small laboratory, all in partnership with the local community.
Founded by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961, Khumjung School was the first school built by the Himalayan Trust and the first school in the Solukhumbu region, it marked the beginning of a long-standing commitment to education in the Everest region. Starting with just two classrooms, the school has grown into a full secondary institution serving students from surrounding villages. It continues to be a model school, delivering a 100% pass rate in 2024. With support from the QEPS programme, Khumjung School has seen classroom improvements, teacher training and salaries, scholarships, computer labs, smart boards, and stationery support.
During the visit – the first official ministerial visit to Nepal - the DPM will officially announce the continuation of the Quality Education Project Solukhumbu (QEPS) programme for another 5 years. This is a significant educational programme in the Everest region that is jointly funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Himalayan Trust New Zealand. The QEPS programme aims to strengthen the quality of education across 108 schools in the Solukhumbu District through teacher training, scholarships for students, improved classroom facilities, such as reading corners, furniture and insulation, school books and stationery, salary support for teachers, career counseling, local government education coordination, computer labs and building capacity in Parent Teacher Associations and School Management Committees.
This programme will continue Sir Ed's vision of thriving community schools in remote Himalayan villages, according to the Himalayan Trust. "I think every Kiwi would be proud of this programme, it represents the values that my grandfather Ed Hillary stood for. Those of compassion and commitment, practicality and service, but not without a dose of adventure and challenge!" said Alexander Hillary, General Manager of the Himalayan Trust New Zealand.
"We're delighted to have this opportunity to share the Everest region with the Deputy Prime Minister and to show why New Zealanders hold such kinship with this place and its people" said Alexander, "This enduring bond and the work of the Himalayan Trust is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through partnership, respect, and a long-term commitment to change."
The New Zealand–Nepal relationship was established in the achievement of Hillary and Tenzing's 1953 ascent of Mt Everest during the British Everest expedition. In the 1960's Ed returned to Nepal and established the Himalayan Trust. Since then, the Trust has worked in partnership with local communities, delivering health, education, and environmental programmes guided by Sir Ed's belief in practical, no-nonsense, grassroots support.
The May 29th coincides with the 72nd anniversary of the ascent of Everest. The visit will include a community welcome by students, a cultural performance by the Sherpa Women's Group, an address from local government and site visits that highlight the ongoing impact of joint initiatives supported by the New Zealand Government and generous donors.
In addition to the Himalayan Trust, there are other significant New Zealand links to the region, such as Edutech Nepal and the Lincoln University Mingma Norbu Memorial Scholarships.
