Hundreds ran into the sea at this year's Papamoa Polar Plunge Photo / George Novak
Hundreds braved the chilly waters of Pāpāmoa Beach to take part in a community tradition - dressing up and running into the sea for a good cause.
The fourth Papamoa Polar Plunge was held this morning.
People dressed up as dead brides, fairies, superheroes and one person went as far as becoming Poseidon, complete with trident.
So when 10-year-old twins Georgia and Isobella Davoren wanted to take part dressed as Thing 1 and Thing 2 (from Dr Seuss books), dad Matt Davoren gladly became Thing Dad.
For Davoren, the polar plunge was a chance to help the Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club.
Best-dressed winners of the plunge get the privilege of donating $1000 to their chosen charity or not-for-profit organisation.
"Seeing I've lived in the Bay for 16 to 17 years now, we've always been associated with the surf club and always go for a swim in the summer. So why not do it in winter?" Daveron said.
"Last year, we did it with a whole bunch of surf club people as Noah's Ark with heaps of onesies."
Organiser Kate Percy said the plunge was a chance to evoke some camaraderie with the community while also doing greater good.
Having prize money go towards a local non-for-profit organisation was especially important, Percy said.
"It just keeps it in our community and allows people to see what they've contributed to. If people can see it, they can feel so much more connected and have ownership of things."
"It's always been a really well-supported event because it's so directly connected to the community and it's great to have a bit of fun."