Ducks and swans at Hamurana Springs Reserve scooted over so their rubber counterparts could race for a great cause.
The Westpac BayTrust Rescue Helicopter Duck Race and Fun Day held today had families lined up along the stream's banks, cheering the ducks on as they wound their way downstream.
The Fun Day also included a sausage sizzle, a raffle and a "guess the number of Jaffas" competition.
Oliver Eason said the duck race was something cool and different to do on a Sunday.
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He went along with his daughter Lila Eason, 5, and said that, as a hunter, it was comforting to know the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter service was there.
Amie Watson said she had bought 10 ducks and was at the event with her son Oscar, 2.
She said the helicopter was a great charity to fundraise for.
"I work with babies - it's nice to be able to get sick babies to Waikato Hospital quickly."
Mika Squibb said she saw the event on Facebook, and thought it sounded fun and that her boys would like it.
She said she had never been in an accident before but the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter was a great service helping people.
"We would love to donate to them and it's a fun fundraiser."
Ryan Squibb, 7, and Owen Squibb, 5, said the prizes sounded cool, especially the helicopter ride, and they had not seen a duck race before.
Ryan said he liked helicopters because they could fly.
Prizes include a 15-minute scenic chopper ride for a family of four in the BayTrust Rescue Chopper, a family pass to all attractions at Motion Entertainment and a $200 helloworld voucher.
Running the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter and its services cost about $1.5 million a year and half of that comes from community sponsorship.
Westpac Rotorua Central bank manager Ian Baker said 1500 ducks went into the water and they sold most of those.
He said about 500 people turned up, with people always filtering through.
"It's been massive and a huge turnout. It's been really well supported and a great community effort getting out on a windy day."
Baker said he was proud to be associated with Westpac Chopper Appeal and BayTrust Rescue Helicopter, and thanked the community for getting behind the fundraiser.
A disregard for authority could be why those attending court are thumbing their noses.