A Q&A on legacy, landscape and leading with heart.

From the Himalayas to the High Arctic, explorer and conservationist Alexander Hillary continues his grandfather’s legacy with quiet determination and purpose. Guided by the same spirit of adventure that defined Sir Edmund Hillary, Alex leads with compassion — championing environmental restoration and inspiring the next generation through his work with the Himalayan Trust and Antarctic Heritage Trust. His Davaar travelled with him to the North Pole, a fitting companion for a life full of adventure and a deep respect for the natural world. We’re honoured to welcome Alexander as a Wearer of Davaar.

Q — Alexander, can you tell us what you're currently focused on through the
Himalayan Trust?

A — The Trust was founded by my grandfather in the 1960s, but so much has changed since then. Today my focus is on making sure that this good and important work continues, and that we uphold the values and legacy of my grandfather.
This legacy has been one of the driving forces behind the Himalayan Trust, leading us to continue working in education and healthcare, but increasingly working in new areas like the environment and reforestation.

Q — With Sir Ed Hillary as your Granddad, your family name is woven deeply into
Aotearoa’s fabric. How do you carry that legacy into your day-to-day life?

A — Ed was a man driven by purpose and a deep sense of adventure, and I think that's what Kiwis love. He was curious, and he had a huge amount of fun on his many incredible adventures. But he didn't forget the people that helped him along the way, and the importance of doing good and giving back.
In my day-to-day life, I try to keep finding adventure and challenge – whether it is running, climbing, planting trees, reading or paddling. There are so many incredible adventures to be had and important causes to engage with.
Ed taught me it's not the size of the accomplishment that matters – it's about the
fact that you got out there and that you did something that was true to you.

Q — Adventurous Granddad aside, where does your deep connection to the outdoors
come from, and how has it shaped your perspective on leadership and resilience?

A — I was raised in the outdoors – on mountains and the rocky coastline of Aotearoa’s north west. These experiences were where I learned to work with others, to read a
landscape, to understand natures consequence and the importance of humility and patience.
There is so much that we cannot learn in a classroom, book or lecture. We can learn so much from being with others in the outdoors. I don't think this journey is unique to me. It’s this connection with the outdoors that is unique for all New Zealanders – we have a relationship with our Maunga and Mountains which is part of our national identity and sense of character.

Q — You move between some pretty diverse spaces — from remote trails and
landscapes to boardrooms and community events. What grounds you across all of
that?

A — My fiancée! Growing up in the Hillary family came with a huge sense of responsibility and commitment to service – this helps. But I think what grounds me, is my time in nature – the ability to come home and reconnect with place through running or planting trees. But also the amazing friends and family who keep me grounded and support me.

Q — You’ve recently spent time at the North Pole, and we’ve heard your Davaar
came with you. How did it hold up in that environment?

A — My Davaar jersey was one of my many layers that I wore up to the North Pole and it was perfect. We were there in late August, the height of Arctic summer, but still the temperatures were incredibly cold, with wind chill bringing the temperatures down to -15 or more. What I love about the Davaar jersey is that it's uncomplicated and honest. It keeps your temperature just right.

Q — Can you describe a moment or journey that’s left a lasting impression on you —
physically, emotionally, or spiritually?

A — One of the most important adventures I've been on is my climb of Mount Ama Dablam in the Himalayas near Mount Everest. It was my first serious and technical high-altitude climb that went to nearly 7,000 metres. It was on this ascent that I came to truly understand the mental fortitude, skills mastery, and toughness that were required of Ed and so many other early mountaineering pioneers.
It was a trip that left me exhausted physically and demanded complete focus to keep
myself and our team safe. It was a transformative experience that opened up a new world and a whole series of new perspectives. No other trip has changed me to the same extent.

Q — How do you think we can better support the next generation of explorers,
conservationists, or change-makers in New Zealand?

A — My grandfather Ed Hillary was a self-proclaimed dreamer. Through his life, there were people who believed in him and his dreams, providing the support that enabled him to achieve the things that he did. I think it falls on all of us to support the dreamers in our society because dreamers are explorers, conservationists, and change-makers. They are the ones that see a different and hopefully better future for us all. We need to try and believe in their vision and support their efforts, not stifle them.

I’m really proud to be involved with several organisations working to inspire and support the next generation. The first is the Antarctic Heritage Trust, which is nurturing the spirit of exploration in young New Zealanders and creating opportunities for them to step into their own adventures. I’m also involved with the Hillary Institute, which supports change-makers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who are building ideas and businesses that can help shape a better future for New Zealand.

Q — What role does clothing or gear play in your life when you’re outdoors or
travelling? What do you look for in pieces you keep coming back to?

A — The most important thing for me is that everything must be made well. In the outdoors, you have to rely on your gear, failure could mean injury or worse. But functionality isn't the only reason; gear should be made well, and made to last.
I prefer the aesthetics of clothing that is made to a high standard and uses honest
materials. I appreciate that gear made well can be fixed and re-used over decades and lifetimes, and this is important if we are to look after our environment, our makers and our economy.

Q — There’s often a lot of noise in modern life. How do you make space for clarity
and stillness?

A — I have met many monks and people who practise Buddhism in the Himalayas, who have mastered clarity and stillness – I won't pretend to be one of them, but I do find that sense of peace when I'm doing things like running, biking, and climbing. There is a point in these experiences where you can feel a sense of flow and a deep connection to your environment through activity. These are the moments where I feel the highest sense of clarity. But for stillness, nothing beats a morning coffee outside a tent with sore legs and time to spare.

Q — Following on from that last question, in a world moving fast, what are the
values you’re most committed to protecting or preserving?

A — Responsibility, adventure, compassion and determination.

Q — What advice would you give to someone looking to do meaningful work without
losing their connection to people and place?

A — A connection to people and place is the foundation of meaningful work. This is how my grandfather started the Himalayan Trust – by seeing power and partnership and embracing his forceful energy to just act and get things done. With that spirit, he built 43 schools, hospitals, forestry nurseries, and airstrips. It's the same attitude and commitment that continues to drive the success of the Himalayan Trust today.

Q — What’s one small but meaningful object or piece of clothing that’s come with
you on your travels or work? Why does it matter?

A — I am incredibly lucky to own a special watch that my grandfather gifted to my father, who then passed it on to me. It's an old Rolex Explorer II watch and for me, it's more than just to watch – it's a reminder to use my time well and live by the values that have been passed down through my family. Time is also critical for mountaineering and ensuring that you can make the right life-saving decisions in the mountains.

Alexander Hillary
@alexhillary

Alex is a patron for:
@hillaryoutdoors

and an Inspiring explorer for:
@antarcticheritage

Follow Himalayan Trust
@himalayantrustnz