OUR History: The 1981 Otaki Raft Race

Community spirit and friendly competition were in full flow on the Ōtaki River during the early 1980s! Lioness Anne Chatterton (pictured) and the team Pat Rollander, Carma Simpson, and Shona Bartosh - were the first women’s team home, raising funds for the local community and showcasing amazing teamwork and female leadership!

Second Annual ANZAC Day Raft Race: Forty rafts and ten canoes took part, with David Hoyle, PE teacher at Ōtaki College, winning the canoe race, and student Michael Basset coming fourth.

The novelty prize went to a raft built by Don Brunton and paddled by Mick Carkeek.

These events are a brilliant reminder of how community spirit, fun, fundraising, and teamwork all rolled into one!