Scion staff take polar plunge in memory of late co-worker

While most were wrapped up in winter coats a brave group of Scion workers have made their annual midwinter plunge - and this year there was special reason to take part.

Despite the water being 12.3C the team got all dressed up and laughed their way through the 22nd Scion Polar Plunge at Tikitapu (Blue Lake) today.

With Scion turning 70 this year a record 78 staff dressed in costumes ranging from Batman to the poo emoji.

Organiser and Scion scientist Garth Weinberg said he had done all of the plunges except one.

"We've had some low numbers, but this is by far the largest."

Image 1 of 10: Shortest day polar plunge at Tikitapu (Blue Lake) by Scion. Photo/Ben Fraser

The annual swim, which takes place on the shortest day of the year, started in 1996 as a challenge between two social groups at Scion, known then as Forest Research Institute.

Scientist Steve Riley said the cold water had taken his breath away.

"Everyone else was doing it, so I just hopped in."

For scientists Gildas Le Brun and Elizabeth Dunningham it was their third polar plunge.

"It felt really cold, but it was okay once I got under," Mrs Dunningham said.

"I'm here in memory of Lucy."

Scion employee Lucy Macdonald died recently after a battle with cancer.

The Lucy Macdonald Trophy was created in her honour and is awarded to the team with the highest participation in the polar plunge.

The inaugural winner of the trophy was a tie between the Wood and Fire and Forest Protection teams while best dressed went to the Forest Protection Ballerinas.

After the cold water the team warmed up with mulled wine and hot chocolate.