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Orewa Beach Kindergarten’s annual fundraiser, the Ducky Derby, will see 750 plastic ducks bob their way down Orewa Estuary on March 29 in a ‘race’ for the finish line.
The ducks are numbered and paid for, and the first three across the finish line win prizes – a Greenworks lawnmower, line trimmer and wheelbarrow set valued at over $1000 for first place, $500 cash for second, and a 12ft trampoline worth $350 for third.
A second race, for around 30 larger ducks sponsored by local businesses, offers a morning tea shout for the winner.
There will also be spot prizes and plenty of other items up for grabs through raffles and games including tickets to Mary Poppins, an Auckland harbour sailing cruise and a Marine Reserve kayak tour for four people.
Entertainment at the event includes rides, face painting, a home baking stand, food stalls and live performances by Orewa North Kapa Haka.
Orewa Beach Kindergarten turns 50 next year. In the past few years, the event has raised between $14,000-$16,000 for the kindergarten, which has allowed a natural play area to be created, and funded awnings on the decks and shade sails.
The event is organised by a group of parents, and a team of around 10-14 volunteers – parents, teachers, kindergarten kids and their older siblings – prepare and sort the ducks ready for race day.
Volunteers from Orewa Surf Club release and collect all the ducks. The event is also supported by Matt Gilmour of Harcourts, Orewa Rotary Club and Orewa Lions Club.
Info: see What’s On
Update: Ducky Derby could go Virtual
Organisers of Orewa Beach Kindergarten's Ducky Derby say the event itself, which was to have taken place on March 29 at Orewa Estuary, has been cancelled. However, organisers are meeting tomorrow, March 18, to discuss whether the Ducky Derby could be held as a virtual race or postponed. Check this page for updates – or look on the Ducky Derby event page on Facebook.
