City events attract crowds on sunny day

Ryan Sissons of New Zealand finished sixth in the elite men's section of the Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon series. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A beautiful day in Auckland yesterday brought a great turnout at some big events around the city.

Thousands turned out to see some of the world's top triathletes in action at the Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon series.

The sunny skies meant a great chance to see top Kiwi competitors, including Kate McIlroy, Nicky Samuels and Ryan Sissons.

Photos: Elite Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon

Image 1 of 14: Peter Williams crossing the finish line after the Queen Street Celebrity Golden Mile at the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon. Photo / Sarah Ivey

The Queen St Golden Mile was another event that attracted many into the city.

Separate from the ITU triathlon, the race raised money for Sir John Walker's Find Your Field of Dreams Foundation.

The charity helps to get thousands of youngsters living in South Auckland into sport.

Among those participating in the Celebrity Mile race was veteran broadcaster Peter Williams, who crossed the Queens Wharf finish line easily. The celebrity race was won by Black Sticks hockey player Marcus Child.

Meanwhile, celebrations to mark the Thai New Year were held at a water festival at the Rocket Park in New North Rd, Mt Albert.

The traditional Thai New Year - Songkran - includes customs such as pouring water on each other to wash away bad luck.

People can also pour water on statues of Buddha, in a bid to get good luck for the coming year.