Dogged determination is best

A regatta which boasts everything from jandal throwing to a dog swimming race is returning to Opua on Sunday.

This year's Opua Community Regatta is raising funds for Opua Hall and Opua School, as well as a replacement for the handcrafted kauri sign which used to welcome visitors to the town but was stolen earlier this year.

The regatta takes place at Beechy St, near the ferry ramp, from 9am until 2pm. All events are free to enter.

The highlight of previous years has been a race with a difference in which children and their dogs race to be the first to complete a short swim.

Sunday's programme starts with beach games such as jandal throwing and tug-of-war from 9.30am, a scavenger hunt (bring a digital camera and a parent) at 10.30am and raft races at 11.30am.

Rafts must be homemade and have a crew of four aged 16 and under. Life jackets are required.

The dog swimming races start at noon followed by humans at 1pm and novelty kayak and dinghy races at 2pm.

Other attractions include face painting and "crazy hair".

This year's fundraising for Opua Hall, rather than raising money for the school only, marks a return to the regatta's origins as a wider community event.