Hundreds of ducks will be set loose under the Old Bridge over the Manuherekia this weekend as The Great Duck Race is held  at midday this Saturday, with funds towards the Alexandra District Parents Centre. 

Alexandra Districts Parents Centre Secretary Rose Woodham says the team behind the event has put in some hard yards to avoid cancellation. 

“This event has proven to be very popular for the past three  years and we are excited to be holding another great family event this year. 

“Not only is it a great fundraiser it is also an affordable fun day out for the whole family. There will be food stalls, Bouncy Castle and a Toy Zone amongst other activities at Centennial Park.

“This is our 4th year running and with the Blossom Festival canceled and many other community events going the same way we just had to make this one work! 

“We have pulled together a plan that meets the Covid guidelines and all our regular vendors and sponsors are on board, wanting to join with us to continue the tradition of the duck race.”

Between 700 and 800 ducks will be released under the Old Rail Bridge and will make their way down the Manuherikia River. 

There will be prize money for the first 10 ducks to cross the finish line as well as a prize for the ‘lucky last’ duck, and random spot prizes.

Viewpoints will be at a premium along the picturesque river, and there are still ducks for sale.

“People can get involved by watching the ducks race down the Manuherikia River from various viewing points, like under the Shaky Bridge or from the Linger and Die reserve,” Rose says. 

“Spectating is always free and it's a great sight to see the ducks floating down the river. 

“We can't give precise numbers beforehand as we sell the ducks right up until the start of the race, and any unsold ones get taken out of the race before the ducks hit the water. 

“Just under a week out and we do still have ducks available to buy, but the last minute sales are always coming thick and fast so people do need to be quick.”

Rose says the event has worked hard to ensure all boxes are ticked to ensure Covid restrictions are met.  

“Every year we host an event in Centennial Park for families to attend who have bought ducks, or have watched the race.

“Previous years, anyone can come and go and we have vendors selling hot and cold food and coffee and ice cream etc. 

“This year we are still going to have the park event, but we are required to limit numbers by the covid guidelines.

“It's terribly messy, as we fall under the private events category but we are a public event. 

“Nevertheless, following all the appropriate rules etc we have (almost) managed to pull this all off. 

“We do want the community to be able to enjoy this event, and there are regulations to follow to ensure that we don't get the event shut down.”

Rose says anyone over-12 years old outside the park, watching the duck race or queuing to get in is required to wear a mask , and maintain 2 metres of distance from each other. 

“This is going to be hard for some families who know each other, but if they can do this in the supermarket and various other locations around town, I'm sure they can do it for us to ensure that the day can go as planned.”

The fundraising efforts go towards the support of a range of vital and valuable programmes at the Alexandra District Parents Centre. 

Rose says the funds raised goes towards things like weekly music and movement sessions, swimming lesson subsidies, Whanau packs, pre-made meals, events, educational evenings for parents and caregivers and car-seat hire and car-seat recycling subsidies.

“A new initiative we are working on is providing meals to any family that has a new baby or a family having a hard time and would appreciate a premade meal,” she says. 

“We acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for a lot of people, businesses included. We want to support our local community as much as possible.”