Many people have been getting too casual about climbing Everest. I forecast a disaster many times.

I was a dreamer when I was at high school and even primary school. I used to dream about doing adventurous things.

Environmental problems are really social problems anyway. They begin with people as the cause and end with people as the victims

I have to admit I do get a bit depressed at times and you know I think about the good old days when I was charging ahead.

My relationship with the mountains actually started when I was 16. Every year, a group used to be taken from Auckland Grammar down to the Tangariro National Park for a skiing holiday.

It's not a real adventure when you have to pay for it.

I don't know if I particularly want to be remembered for anything. I personally do not think I'm a great gift to the world. I've been very fortunate.