Watch: Leap of faith as dozens jump into Hatea River for Take The Plunge

Source: Facebook / Hannah White. Campaigners pushing for a cleanup of Hatea River collected more than 170 signatures at the first "Take the Plunge" event on the Canopy Bridge on a balmy day. The inaugural event at noon yesterday attracted 38 swimmers who took a plunge off the bridge, including Whangarei mayor Sheryl Mai, Councillor Tricia Cutforth and heavily-pregnant businesswoman Jessica White, who is three weeks away from giving birth. The event, organised by TogetherTahi, wants people to reflect on the polluted state of the Hatea.

Latest Video

Sam Neill returns home
New Zealand

Sam Neill returns home

Sam Neill has returned home from a promotional tour for his latest TV series Apples Never Fall, in time for harvest at his cherished Central Otago vineyards. Video / George Heard