The Kaituna River is running blue as 168 police from around the North Island compete there in the New Zealand Police National Raft Race.
The event is in its third year and 42 teams of four will compete in the 1.2km long race, which includes seven sets of ‘grade three rapids’ and three waterfalls.

Event organiser, Constable Aaron Holloway from Bay of Plenty District Headquarters, describes the race as “socially competitive”.
“The rules state that there is to be no ‘grabbing’ of other rafts, however, competitive contact between the rafts is encouraged.”
The seven heats will be held across the day, with the final expected to take place between 5pm and 6pm.