Take the plunge
Brave participants in last year’s annual polar plunge on the Petone foreshore.
The annual polar plunge is on again this year with hundreds expected to turn out for the midwinter swim on the Petone foreshore on July 16. A gold coin donation provides the chance to dress up and celebrate the cooler months with a chilly dip and great spot prizes.
The event has been going for more than ten years raising funds for Wesleyhaven, a retirement village, resthome and hospital in Naenae.
Wesleyhaven manager, Karen Rhind, says residents and staff get involved. Residents make hot soup for those taking the plunge while staff always field a team in the event.
“We all get dressed up,” Rhind says. “Last year we dressed as lady birds but in past years we’ve dressed as fairies, Hutt trash, and in yellow polka dot bikinis.”
Rhind says funds raised last year went towards a new heat pump in the recreational hall at Wesleyhaven.
The annual plunge is organised by Hutt City Council. Coordinator, Thomas Buchanan, who says this year the thousands of dollars worth of prizes include a five burner barbecue package and money vouchers from Mitre10.
“There are spot prizes and prizes for best dressed individual and group,” Thomas says.
“It’s become an annual tradition for some people and a competition on who can stay in the water the longest,” Thomas says. “Even our Mayor takes the plunge.”
The event starts at midday. Registrations can be made on the day from 11am or on the council’s website www.huttcity.govt/polarplunge. All entries received before July 13 will go into a special prize draw on the day
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