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

I still had the same affection for New Zealand as I've always had. Didn't change at all.

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

In those days we were punished very frequently and I felt that it was often unjust, and so I would resist the desire to agree with many, many things. So I used to get beaten quite frequently and I more or less accepted it as part of life.

I really haven't liked the commercialization of mountaineering, particularly of Mt. Everest. By paying $65,000, you can be conducted to the summit by a couple of good guides.

I had a very strong desire to carry out adventures, but in those early days I didn't actually do any. I just dreamt about it.

I was not a beater of children and as a consequence I've always been, I think, very agreeable and co-operative.