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...