A tribal restoration plan for one of the country's most polluted lakes aims to get it cleaned up for people to swim in by April next year.
Numerous working bees have been held at Lake Horowhenua, near Levin, including efforts by the local Muaupoko iwi and Ngati Pareraukawa sub-tribe's working party. The aim is to rid the rotomoana [lake] of sediment and weeds.
Working party chair Whatarangi Winiata says it wants the water clean enough for people to swim in because in April the tribal groups want to commemorate Bernard Freyberg, who fought at Gallipoli.
The tribal groups are hoping to get 500 people in the water because the late Freyberg was an excellent swimmer who taught people to swim in Lake Horowhenua before he went to serve in the Gallipoli campaign.
Mr Freyberg used his swimming skills to carry out his duties during his service, which earned him the Victoria Cross.
Mr Winiata says the event will also pay tribute to tribal members who went off to war.