Sir Graeme Dingle’s The Promise on One Tree Hill is more than just an autobiography—it’s a deeply personal account of one man’s journey from a fearful, skinny boy to one of New Zealand’s most revered adventurers, philanthropists, and leaders of youth empowerment. In this sweeping 400-page narrative, Dingle takes readers through his awe-inspiring mountaineering feats and his transformative work in shaping the lives of young New Zealanders through the Graeme Dingle Foundation.
At its core, The Promise on One Tree Hill is about the remarkable promise Dingle made on One Tree Hill in 1994—a promise to dedicate the second half of his life to helping the youth of New Zealand. It is this pivotal moment that fuels the heart of his story. The book chronicles his transition from world-class mountaineer to a visionary leader who co-founded the Graeme Dingle Foundation with his wife, Jo-anne Wilkinson, Lady Dingle. The couple’s tireless commitment to improving the lives of young people through projects such as Project K, Kiwi Can, Stars, and Career Navigator reflects the enduring power of love, passion, and purpose.
Dingle’s prose is refreshingly straightforward, in keeping with his frank style. His recounting of personal adventures is as gripping as it is inspiring, particularly his numerous mountaineering firsts in the Himalayas, Andes, Antarctica, and his home country of New Zealand. The rawness of these experiences—the close brushes with death, the injuries, the solitude—contrasts sharply with the vulnerable, introspective moments of his personal life. He opens up about his love for Jo-anne, his family, and the many influential figures in his life, such as Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir John Graham, and Helen Clark. It’s this balance of high-octane adventure and heartfelt reflection that makes the book both thrilling and deeply moving.
What truly elevates The Promise on One Tree Hill is its broader societal impact. Dingle isn’t just telling his life story; he’s charting the journey of an idea—a belief that the most important legacy we can leave is the support and empowerment of future generations. The Graeme Dingle Foundation, with its wide-reaching youth development programs, embodies this belief. Dingle’s commitment to helping young New Zealanders build resilience and thrive is palpable on every page, as he recounts the stories of the thousands of lives touched by the Foundation’s work.
The book also serves as a love letter to New Zealand itself. Dingle’s connection to the country’s rugged landscapes is vividly described, whether it’s the Southern Alps or One Tree Hill, where the fateful promise was made. His pride in New Zealand’s youth and their potential is evident throughout, as he envisions a future where every young person has the tools and support to succeed.
Overall, The Promise on One Tree Hill is a powerful, multifaceted work. It captures Sir Graeme Dingle’s unparalleled life of adventure and philanthropy while offering readers a testament to the profound impact of love, purpose, and community. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a fan of memoirs, or someone interested in the future of youth development, this book is an inspiring read that resonates far beyond the pages.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Bateman Books