Craig McKibbin is in the final phases of training as his challenge to swim the perimeter of Lake Waikaremoana for his late brother draws closer.
Flaxmere Constable Glenn McKibbin was shot and killed on duty just over 20 years ago and Craig has set out to raise funds for local Flaxmere charity the U-Turn Trust.
"It is a wonderful organisation doing amazing things within the Flaxmere community. I have chosen them as my charity as my brother served this community."
Mr McKibbin, who was raised in Hawke's Bay but now lives in Hamilton, will be doing the swim completely unassisted.
He will tow a supply raft carrying his equipment and food, which he has named after Glenn's police number, D717.
"I have been training with the raft in open swims on the weekend and it seems to cut through the water really well. It is a bit of handful with a tailwind but other than that you hardly notice it."
He swims every morning before work and is feeling confident going into the final stages before he makes his way to the lake.
"I am just keen to get out there and do it. It seems more real now and I am really pumped."
He plans to start the 85km swim on February 8 and expects it will take seven to 10 days to complete.
"This builds some contingency into my plans in the likely event that the weather turns sour for a period of time and I end up spending a day or two not being able to swim."
Mr McKibbin said donations on his Givealittle page were going well but there was room for more.
"I have had people from all walks of life donate so far, it is really cool to know there is support around."
He is also being sponsored by Opus International Consultants, Speed Swimwear, Back Country Cuisine, Taupo PLB Hire and Fastlane Fitness.
U-Turn Trust ambassador Henare O'Keefe is rallying the troops together in support of Mr McKibbin so there are people cheering him on at the start and finish lines.
"I do hope others will join us in sending this courageous man off on what is truly a Herculean undertaking."
-To donate, go to his Givealittle page: Lakewaikaremoanachallenge2017 or follow the journey through his Facebook page: Lake Waikaremoana Challenge 2017.