Watch NZH Local Focus: Rubber ducks run amok

Whanganui locals went a little quackers on Saturday, in the name of charity.

More than a thousand people paid hard earned dollars to sponsor little yellow ducks.

They were thrown off Dublin Street bridge for a thrilling river race.

"Today we raised more than $10,000 for a local charity, Jigsaw. It's a charity that helps piece communities together," said Daniel Goldsworthy, the event's organiser.

Ticket holders lined the river hoping their number would correspond with the winning duck.

A cash prize of $800 was up for grabs, as well as many spot prizes.

Some ducks embraced their plastic yellow counterparts, however many just gave them the cold shoulder or paddled away.

The winning duck was number 104, who managed despite the winds, to make it down a decent chunk of the river.

It took organisers around two hours to retrieve the ducks, and as the tide went out it left many stranded up under the banks. Some could still be hiding.

The event turned out to be popular, and is planned again for next year.

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