The manu - a classic summer pastime and Kiwi way of life - is making a splash across the motu this year, with thousands of keen bombers taking to the water in this year’s Z Manu World Champs.
The first competitors from Te Waipounamu took the plunge last week at the inaugural Nelson Manu Champs.
“Nelson did the South Island proud - the atmosphere was fantastic,” says event organiser Scott Rice.
Kingston Preston Walker claimed the Youth Manu Male division title and earned bragging rights among his friends.
“We just go to the pool every day and manu,” says the Nelson Boys College student, attributing his win to plenty of practice and a bit of luck.
“When I surface and the water splashes back on my head, that’s when I know I’ve nailed it.”
Manu enthusiast Hads Te Huia says the artform is more than just a splash - it holds cultural and spiritual significance, as water is a source of life.
“Being Māori, our ancestors have always been in tune with our taiao,”
“[The water] can be very tapu place but if you respect it, it’ll take care of you.”
This is the third official qualifier for the championship, following events in Tauranga and Hastings earlier in December. Winners in each division have earned their spots in the Grand Final, set for March 1, 2025, in Tāmaki Makaurau.
After a successful debut last year with over 2,000 competitors, the Z Manu World Champs is set to grow even bigger this year, with more participants, prizes, and categories on offer. A $40,000 prize pool in cash and prizes is up for grabs.
“One day I watched one guy here manu from 9am to 5pm, non-stop. Manu, swim to the side of the pool, walk back, manu - all day long.” says NZ Lifeguard of The Year, Scott White.
This year will also see the introduction of ManuTech. The innovative technology measures the height of splash and the sound of every manu. These two metrics together with a creativity score awarded by a panel of judges, combine for a jumpers final score.
“The Z Manu World Champs is not just about competition - it’s about celebrating the art of the manu and bringing people together through sport and culture and of course demonstrate and emphasize the importance of staying active and enjoying the water safely with friends and family over summer,” Rice says.
Qualifying events will be held in eight regions across the country with Māngere, Whangārei, Te Whanganui a Tara, Kirikiriroa, Tāmaki Makaurau and Otautahi still to come.
The next qualifier will be held in Māngere on January 11.
