Once I've decided to do something, I do usually try to carry it through to fruition.

Nothing can replace courage, a resounding motivation and that little bit of luck.

I have a number of heroes I still have warm feelings about. [Derek] Shackleton, for instance, was definitely, and still is, one of my great heroes.

I think it all comes down to motivation. If you really want to do something, you will work hard for it.

I started to become more active and when I was at Auckland Grammar I went for the first time to the mountains. I went to Ruapehu and for the first time I saw snow. I had never seen snow before and for 10 days the group of us had a marvellous time.

I'm definitely a Queen supporter. She was great.

On the summit of Everest, I had a feeling of great satisfaction to be first there.