One year since Havelock North's water was contaminated with campylobacter, communities around New Zealand will hold a candlelit 'Vigil for Water' this Sunday at twilight.
People were invited to join the event in Havelock North that would be held in conjunction with others in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin to send a common message to central and regional governments that communities and the environment need clean water.
One of the organisers of the Havelock North vigil, Michaela Evans said water, like air, was a vital life force, and she was compelled to get involved because of her concerns about the safety of drinking water and the health of the region's waterways.
"The Tukituki is my local river and I can't be sure if it's safe to take my dogs for a walk there and I'm sad to think that may not be able to go to the Tukituki River with my neices and nephews once they learn how to swim."
Ms Evans said the Havelock North water contamination had highlighted that clean water was a basic human right.
"We're holding this gathering to acknowledge the effect polluted water has had on our community, and to show that people care and are speaking up to secure safe water.