The Waimanako DUCK RACE 24th February 2024

Over 3,000 hopeful bath ducks will be racing down the Huatoki Stream at 2pm, Saturday February 24th – Amerciarna weekend – but will YOURS be the winner?

Trophies include Most Original Route, Last Across the Line, Best Swimmer and, of course the top prize of $250 for SPEEDIEST SWIMMER

The hopeful ducks will be cheered on their journey from the back deck of Waimanako, 33 Devon Street West, splashing in at 2pm. Their mission: To race as fast as their wings can take them to the Puke Ariki Landing, amidst all the sights and sounds of Americarna. They will be encouraged on their journey by massive corporate ducks, swans, toucans and llamas, sponsored by businesses and organisations; proudly decorated with logos and costumes:

It’s all to support Taranaki Retreat, Waimanako and Community Mental Health / Suicide Prevention for our people – and is a thrilling partnership between Taranaki Retreat and Team Americarna.

You don’t need to be there on the day; you don’t even need to be in the country – you’ll be able to watch the live-stream of the event and cheer on your ducks, wherever you are in the world.

What you need to know:

Q: How do I buy a Duck? 

A: Head to Waimanako (33 Devon Street West, in the Downtown Arcade), or click one of the links to the right, to support us, instantly, online

 

Q: How many is the maximum I can sponsor?

A: 1,000 Ducks is the max (why not sponsor one for everyone on your team?)

 

Q: What’s the cause?

A: Funding locally delivered therapeutic support for people going through tough times. 

 

Q: What is Waimanako/Taranaki Retreat?

A: A Community Support Service, helping people through tough times, and providing a Space to Gather and a Space to Breathe for our people. A lifeline in tough times.

 

Q: How can by business/organisation get involved?

A: Sponsor a Corporate Duck, Swan, Llama or Toucan – just $150. You get to decorate/dress your swimmer; give it all the encouragement it needs, before the event, and even keep it afterwards as a talking/quacking point

 

Q: Can I watch the ducks hit the water?

A: Absolutely! Head to Waimanako before 2pm on Saturday 24th February 2024, and follow their commentated progress along the Huatoki Stream to their destination: Puke Ariki Landing. Or watch our Live Stream.

 

Q: Wait, does that mean the ducks will be swimming into the sea??!

A: Nope; a huge net across the stream at the finish-line, along with our team in kayaks, will keep every single duck safe and ready for the next time they race.

 

Q: This sounds awesome. How can I/we help?

A: We would love YOUR help getting this event out there. It’s going to be Quackers. We need you to:

  • Tell EVERYONE about it – make sure we meet our target of 3,000+ DUCKS
  • Sponsor a family of ducks and give it to someone you love as a gift (remember – they might win $250!!)
  • Put up a poster in your workplace/community noticeboard/local shop etc (you can download the Poster HERE)
  • Sponsor a duck for everyone in your workplace
  • Sponsor a Massive Duck/Llama/Swan/Toucan ($150) and get involved from your Business/ Zumba Group/ Sports Team / Church / Craft Group
  • Send this link to everyone on your Facebook/Instagram
  • Come along on the day and see the spectacle first-hand, and check out the Americarna BUZZ
This fundraising awesome Duck Race will be offered as a community event by Taranaki Retreat Trust /Waimanako 33 Devon St West, New Plymouth.

Event Organiser Caroline Silk, CEO: ceo@taranakiretreat.org.nz  06 2150993

We ask that you please read through the following guidelines, prior to entering – and contact us if you have any questions. Thank you.

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Guidelines

  1. All proceeds from the sale of ducks and this fundraiser go to Taranaki Retreat Trust for use towards the operational costs of the activities of the Taranaki Retreat Trust in the prevention of suicide in our community.
  2. All prizes must be claimed within 3 months of notifying the winner.
  3. The Judges’ decision is final.
  4. No refunds are provided if the event is cancelled due to weather or other circumstances outside the organisers control. In the event of poor weather, a modified version of the race will be conducted indoors!
  5. By entering, sponsors and winners consent to use of  information (name and photos) in promotional material following the event.

Click an Image below to
SPONSOR YOUR HOPEFUL DUCKS!