It was a quacker of a race yesterday as 2000 rubber ducks took to the water for the ninth annual Havelock North Duck Race.
Crowds lined the banks of the Karamu stream to watch duck race against duck in the annual event which raises money for Havelock North Central Kindergarten.
The event has continued to grow every year, with members of the community coming out in their droves to take part in the race by buying a duck.
Ducks cost $5 to sponsor, with prizes going to the fastest ducks, and the last duck "which didn't give up".
Extravagant prizes included a David Trubridge light shade, overnight escapes to Taupo and Toms Cottage accommodation, as well as the best of Hawke's Bay wineries, and vouchers for local restaurant's.
After the nail-biting race - won by duck number 41, adopted by Emma Cook - hundreds of spectators enjoyed the other family activities on offer - from face painting, a cake stall, sausage sizzle and bouncy castle.
This year, the money raised would go toward putting the finishing touches on the kindergarten's outdoor development.
In previous years, the proceeds raised have gone toward making the kindergarten environment an inviting and adventure-filled place to learn.
HNCK is a not-for-profit kindergarten based in the heart of Havelock North since 1954, one of sixteen kindergartens under the organisation of Heretaunga Kindergarten Association. It caters to over 70 families throughout year.
Each year funds need to be raised to ensure children enjoy high quality learning facilities, which is taken on by many parents, families and the community.