 This encouraged people to swim more often, and to take part in raft races down the river from a point about 1.5 km upstream of the road bridge, giving a total ride distance of about 2.5 km.There were no subsidiary competitions on 30 December in 2007, although two men had their Civil Union on the banks of the Rangitikei River that afternoon.The 2008-2009 camp saw the reinstitution of competitions on 30 December, with Fashion in the Field and Pick a Purse being held on that night.