Whanganui set to go quackers for duck race

The plastic ducks are tossed into the Whanganui River at the start of the 2016 duck race.

The giant yellow duck is taking to the Whanganui River again, signalling the Plumber Dan Duck Race is not far away.

The plastic duck race, on December 2, will raise funds for Jigsaw Whanganui's social work service. Last year's event raised more than $10,000 for Jigsaw and organiser Daniel Goldsworthy said the aim was to raise more this year with 2000 racing ducks available.

Jigsaw Whanganui events co-ordinator Rachael Doble said the organisation's social work service was funded to work with 19 families per year but dealt with more than 100.

"There is high demand for the service and we have to fundraise for the balance of funds," Ms Doble said.

"It's great to work with Plumber Dan who is helping us to raise money and organise the event. People should get in fast for their tickets as we sold out last year.

"We want to assure people that all of the plastic ducks are removed from the river after the race. We have boats out on the river to ensure that any ducks that get caught up are put back into the river and that they are all taken out at the end of the race."

Mr Goldsworthy's attention-grabbing giant inflatable duck was launched on the Whanganui River on Wednesday evening and will be lit up at night.

The duck race starts at 11am with ducks being dropped into the river at the Dublin St Bridge and finishing by the PS Waimarie berth. The event coincides with the Whanganui Christmas Parade later that day.

Tickets cost $10 and are available at the Whanganui River Traders Market on Saturday mornings, or from Plumber Dan's in Victoria Ave, Jigsaw Whanganui in Victoria Ave or online at www.jigsawwhanganui.org.nz.