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."
Georgia said this was the third or fourth time she and her sister had joined in.
"It's fun, being in the water," she said.
Dressed as pink cat fairies, mates Ross Walley and Dylan White embraced the day - despite being let down by a friend.
Ross, who works at Oceanblue Health and Fitness, said he got the idea from a friend who was going to be taking part dressed up as a fairy.
"But the problem was he was late and didn't bring any fairy gear."
Nevertheless, the lads had plenty after having visited Kmart.
"We went in there but didn't expect to get so many things," Dylan said.
Both men said the water was not too cold to put them off taking part again.
"I'd definitely do this again. It's great fun," Dylan said.
The event was run by Papamoa Unlimited, which organises community outdoor events.
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."
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