The challenge to Te Hapua's Amazing Youth to complete an Amazing Race might have become a damp squib given the rain that greeted the teams, but it takes more than a wet day to knock these kids back.
"Seven teams of five or six participants accepted their race packs, the team leaders taking charge of the work books and cameras, Mama Jewel Sucich launching the race with a whakamoemiti, asking Our Father to care for the rangatahi, tamariki and pakeke who were part of a greater team dressed in their shirts of varying shades of green," Whakawhiti Ora Pai youth and whanau activity co-ordinator Josephine Nathan said.
The rules having been explained, the teams first had to answer ten questions ranging from choosing the best description of New York's Grand Central Terminal to naming who discovered Australia.
Once the teams had answered all ten questions correctly they received the first of ten clues to help them on their way. Most of the activities required taking photos, signing off work books and presenting various skill performances to selected audiences.
The two local policemen, who at first were unable to stay for the duration of the race, became so engrossed that they stayed after all.
Every team showed admirable commitment, challenges such as planking, making human pyramids, locating rapid numbers, making harakeke putiputi, rapping, building sandcastles and being photographed with certain locals keeping the youngsters and supporters entertained for two and a half hours.
In between challenges the contestants were energised with free sizzled sausage and drinks (water being the best choice); the eventual winners refused to be tempted by the sausages, and were "rather ravenous" after everything had been devoured. The race was strongly supported by Te Hapua's kuia and kaumatua, who urged the teams on.
"They were truly amazing themselves," Josephine said.
"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon. There were lots of laughs and skill going on everywhere.
"Every team member got caught in the rain at some point, but not even the youngest, aged three, was discouraged."
The trophy was claimed by Team Woop Woop's Rosie Conrad, Detroit Gurnick, Tamala Ukufia, Troy Hohaia, Te Wera Moses and Puru Aboayge. Congratulations went to all participants by way of prizes kindly donated by Kaitaia businesses, ensuring that every single person went home not only with memories of a great day but a prize as well.
"He mihi nui ki te Whanau o Te Hapua. Ka rawe!" Josephine added.