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Ten years ago, Orewa Beach Kindergarten (which was called Hibiscus Coast Kindergarten at the time) launched its first ever Ducky Derby, tipping around 300 plastic ducks off Orewa wharf for a ‘race’ down the estuary.
Each duck is paid for and numbered, with prizes for the winners, and entertainment alongside also brings in some funds for the kindergarten.
As a fundraiser, it proved to be a winning formula with the amount raised bettered every year. The first event raised $4600 but by last year this had grown to around $16,000.
The number of ducks available has been added to over the years – kindergarten parents’ committee president, Matt Gilmour, says this year 750 ducks are being sold as well as king sized ducks for businesses, which can win a morning tea shout.
Volunteers are key to the success of the event – both from the kindergarten itself and other community groups. Orewa Surf Club provides “duck wranglers”, who release the ducks at the start of the race and collect any that stray off course. The Orewa Lions and Rotary clubs also support the event and local businesses provide prizes.
This year SUP Shed has provided a SUP package for the first duck across the line.
Matt says that other kindergartens have shown an interest in the Ducky Derby model.
This year Orewa Beach Kindergarten will put the proceeds towards a new play area.
The event is on March 10 with entertainment, including live performances, food and rides, in the carpark between the Youth Centre and the Community House on Western Reserve, Orewa, 11am-2pm.
The race will start around 1pm.
Info or to buy a duck: call into the kindergarten in Riverside Road, Orewa or look for Ducky Derby on Facebook. Some ducks may be available for purchase on the day.
