There’s nothing quite like a chilly dip to get people talking — and this August, a group of brave locals took the plunge as part of a brand-new Daffodil Day fundraising initiative.
Daffy Dip was introduced nationwide for the first time this year, giving people a fun, and slightly crazy, way to raise funds for the Cancer Society. Here in Nelson Tasman, our first Daffy Dippers certainly embraced the challenge.
It all kicked off on Wednesday 5 August when Cancer Society volunteer Miraka Norgate became Nelson’s very first Daffy Dipper for 2026.
Then, on Saturday 8 August, a group of well-known local faces gathered at the Nelson Yacht Club for a very chilly lunchtime dip. Taking the plunge were Mayor Tim King, Hon. Dr Nick Smith, Rachel Boyack MP, Kit Maling, Kerryn Ferneyhough, Sarah Kerby, James Hodgson, Jodie Kuntzsch, Blair Cameron, Andy Malcolm, Debbie Cooper-Norriss, Reuben Newth, Libby Bolland and Wim Van Dijk.
There were plenty of laughs and cheering as everyone made the dash into the water — and some very quick dashes back out again!
A special thank you also goes to Goodheat Sauna, who helped our Daffy Dippers warm up after their plunge, and to Greg from GJGuy Photography for capturing the 8 August dip.
Our final Daffy Dipper, Anna Mae, took on the challenge on Saturday 15 August, joining her was friends Shayna and Debbie for their own chilly plunge.
Despite a sunny 15°C late morning, the water was still very much on the freezing side. Their verdict on the experience?
“We came. We dipped. We froze. Definitely cold bodies, but warm hearts.”
Anna Mae also absolutely smashed her fundraising goal, raising nearly twice her original target.
A huge thank you to all our Daffy Dippers for being willing to get wet, get cold and, most importantly, get behind Daffodil Day. Every dollar raised helps the Cancer Society provide free support, information and care to local people and their whānau impacted by cancer.
While this was the first year of Daffy Dip, we have a feeling it won’t be the last. There’s something about people being willing to brave cold water for a good cause that makes this a pretty memorable way to fundraise.
We think Daffy Dip could become a favourite part of Daffodil Day each August, and we’re already looking forward to seeing who will be brave enough to take the plunge next year.
Thank you to all our 2026 Daffy Dippers, and to everyone who supported their fundraising. You helped make this brand-new initiative one to remember.
Read articles online:
Daffy dippers brave the cold for a good cause
Taking the plunge for Daffodil Day
