Ōhiwa Harbour is going to have ducks of the yellow and rubber variety catching a ride on its currents on Sunday afternoon, in the name of fundraising for Life Education Trust Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Trust chairperson John Spring urged the community to make the most of what is hoped to be a beautiful sunny day by spending some time watching rubber ducks jostle for podium glory.

The ducks will race regardless of weather, with a coffee cart and sausage sizzle being run.

There are two categories in the Duck Race for Eastern Bay Life Education, covering ducks purchased by corporates and individuals.

Prizes in the small ducks’ category include $300 for first, $200 for second and $100 for third, sponsored by Beacon Media Group.

There will be only one corporate winner, with the top prize advertising in the Beacon to the value of $1000 plus GST and the coveted wooden duck trophy crafted by Rotary member Brent Willetts.

The duck race kicks off at 1pm on Sunday at Port Ōhope Wharf, with the corporate ducks taking to the start line first, and small ducks shortly after.

Corporate ducks are available for purchase for $195 each, and small ducks for individuals are $5 each.

Mr Spring has been walking through Whakatāne to sell the corporate ducks and said it was pleasing to see businesses support the cause.

Small ducks have been sold at the Beacon, 1XX and online. Schools have also been selling tickets, with half of the income from every ticket they sell being returned to them.

Rotary Whakatāne is supporting the duck race, with members David Dowthwaite and Richard Underwood particularly involved.

Mr Spring said fundraising contributed to about half of Life Education Trust’s revenue, which enabled it to deliver lessons to Eastern Bay schoolchildren through its mobile classroom, helping kids to make good decisions as they grow up.

“The main areas we look at are self-esteem and resilience, body knowledge, food and nutrition, social relationships and substances.”

Life Education is also funded by grants and school fees, and has relationships with local organisations, including Waiotahi Contractors, which moves its classroom from school to school.

It has operated in the Eastern Bay of Plenty for about 25 years.

Another key fundraiser, Dancing for Life Education, is taking place on November 30 and will see 10 local couples take to the dance floor.

It is promised to be a night to remember, with tickets on sale from Monday.

For more information contact [email protected]