Rubber ducks set to race

Out of the bath, and into the estuary.

Duck racing in the Orewa Western Reserve and a new playground turf is on the agenda for Orewa Beach Kindergarten.

More than 500 ducks have been cleaned and sorted to prepare for the kindergarten’s annual Ducky Derby.

Preschool children and committee members have come together to prepare for their annual fundraising event which will pay for their new outdoor turf.

In its eighth year, the event allows individuals and businesses to buy plastic ducks and race them down the Estuary on April 2.

Orewa Beach Kindergarten committee president Fiona Hunt says the event is their biggest for the year.

‘‘All money raised benefits all the children and is really important for them. We hope to add an artificial grass turf in our outdoor area by the end of this year for the children and future children to enjoy.‘‘

The event run from 11am-3pm, with the race starting at 2pm.

‘‘There will be great prizes for first, second and third places. It is a great family atmosphere full of entertainment including raffles, spot prizes, quickfire raffles, bouncy castles, face painting, horse riding, chocolate games and many more.’’

Prizes include a kayak and a two night getaway, with signed Breakers, Warriors and White Ferns jerseys to be auctioned off after the race.

The Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club will be in the water letting go of all ducks and determining the winners of the 100 meter race.

‘‘People can buy ducks to race for $10 on the day,’’ Hunt says.

The event is supported by Harcourts, the Orewa Rotary Club, Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club and the Orewa Lions Club New Zealand.