Ducks in a row for derby race

It is 14 years since Ōrewa Beach Kindergarten held its first Ducky Derby fundraiser, and the idea of racing plastic ducks down the estuary with prizes for the first three across the finish line is as popular as ever.

On March 11 a crowd of families with young children gathered at Ōrewa Estuary to watch 730 ducks race.

To take part, you purchase ducks for $10 each – they are all numbered, and the owners get a matching ticket. There are also larger ducks which go to businesses and event sponsors. Like the event itself, most of the ducks are 14 years old. All the ducks are retrieved after the race and organisers say they have not lost a single one. In the lead up to the race, there were raffles, food and entertainment stalls to keep the crowd happy. MC on the day was Gary Brown and the event was also supported by Ōrewa Lions, Rotary, Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste and Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club.

A small team of surf lifesavers with inflatable rescue boats were responsible for releasing the ducks in the estuary at the start line, ensuring none went astray, and collecting them at the end. It was not an easy task, given the wind and current, but was handled with good humour by experienced duck wranglers Pete McConnell, Shane Burke and their team.

First corporate duck across the line was Ōrewa New World, which won a morning tea shout –the supermarket gifted its prize to Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club.

The first three ducks home belonged to David and Renata Stent (third place), Tegan Cook (second) and Lauren Muriwai-Mumby, who won a barbecue from Bunnings, and a meat pack for first place. This year’s Ducky Derby raised around $11,000 for the kindergarten.