In just under two years, the Z Manu World Champs have taken Aotearoa by storm, turning a beloved pastime into a high-stakes summer showdown. From backyard pools to national qualifiers, Kiwi of all ages are gathering to pop the ultimate manu.
I can’t remember the exact moment I popped my first manu, but I’ll never forget the summer I spent perfecting it. It was 2007, and the swimming pool at my apartment complex had two prime jumping spots – a rock ledge over the deep end and a low waterfall. That summer, two boys on holiday from Tauranga (“Toe Rags,” as they called it) showed me the technique. They leaped with their hands clasped, bodies in a tight V, bums striking the water with a pop that sent water skyward. Watching them, I felt the pull to master the art of the manu.
For me, and countless others, bombing quickly became a way of life. As kids, we turned every pool, river, and beach into a manu proving ground, with friendly competitions to see who could make the highest splash. It’s a pastime that’s woven into the Kiwi summer, a tradition that now has its own celebration – the Z Manu World Champs. The competition, supported by Z Energy (Z), is carving out a unique place on New Zealand’s summer calendar, bringing Aotearoa together to celebrate a practice that is as iconic as it is distinctly ours.
Z’s role in the Manu World Champs extends beyond just sponsorship. For Z, the event is a celebration of Kiwi identity and values. As Andy Baird, GM Customer at Z, explains, “the Z Manu World Champs are a fun, feel-good way to connect with Kiwis and support a distinctly Kiwi tradition.”
The Z Manu World Champs might be a relatively new event, but it has quickly drawn a crowd. Last year, more than 2,000 people competed across Aotearoa, with thousands more gathering at Auckland’s Viaduct to cheer on the finalists. With more than $40,000 in cash and prizes on the line, it’s no surprise the contest has become a summertime staple. In an event where competitors are judged on the height of their splash, every jump counts.
Scott Rice, the event’s organiser, says the competition is more than just a test of skill – it’s a celebration of community and culture. “I remember lifeguarding as a kid, watching the young guys bomb all day. There’s something generational about it, a tradition passed down within families, especially among Māori and Pasifika communities,” he says. The event draws a broad mix of competitors, but Rice notes that the cultural roots of bombing run deep, with Māori and Pasifika participants embracing the chance to share their passion for the manu with the nation.
This year’s Z Manu World Champs have an expanded lineup, with qualifying events across eight cities, with official qualifiers in Tauranga, Hastings, Nelson, Māngere, Whangārei and Christchurch, and super qualifiers in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington. Selected winners and placegetters will secure a spot in the grand final, held at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on Saturday March 1, 2025.
For those unable to attend a qualifier in person, there’s the Z Manu Wildcards – an easy and convenient way for manu fans to get involved from anywhere around the country. Entrants submit a video of their best manu on social media, allowing the public to vote for their favourites. A panel of experts will shortlist the top entries, which then face off in a head to head public vote on Z’s social channels. The best entries (up to 10 Z Manu Wildcards) will then be awarded a fast-tracked spot to the final in Tāmaki Makaurau, offering people from every corner of the country a chance to make their splash on the big stage.
The competition format includes age-grade divisions and a freestyle division, which opens the field to other bomb styles beyond the classic manu. Each jump is a showcase of not only skill but also creativity. From the precision of the V-shaped manu to the daring “staple” and “gorilla” styles, each technique brings its own flair. Tamariki from at least eight years old to adults who have mastered the art of the bomb are allowed to compete.
Judging a manu isn’t easy and last year’s inaugural competition highlighted some of the challenges. Traditionally, bombers are scored by a panel of judges, who award points based on splash height, volume, and style. But heavier competitors can often create bigger splashes, leading to a potential advantage. To level the playing field, the event uses ManuTech, an innovative scoring system designed specifically for the competition.
ManuTech uses high-speed video analysis to measure the splash height of each jump with precision. It’s the world’s first technology of its kind and promises to add a new level of fairness and accuracy to the judging process. Rice explains that splash height now accounts for 100% of a competitor’s score at the qualifiers. This way, competitors are judged on their execution rather than their body mass, creating a fairer competition that highlights the skill behind the manu.
For the grand final, additional style points will be introduced, with a panel of judges scoring competitors on their creativity and technique. The ManuTech system even has potential future upgrades, including a hydrophone to measure the “pop” sound of each jump, a move that could bring even more excitement to the competition. “We’re proud to bring this technology to the world,” says Rice. “It’s a game-changer for the sport and something uniquely Kiwi.”
The support of Z has been instrumental in making the event accessible to competitors nationwide. Finalists travelling from outside Auckland will receive fuel vouchers, ensuring they can make it to the grand final. With Z Manu Wildcard entries available to those who can’t make it to a qualifier, Z is giving people across Aotearoa a chance to join in on the action. It’s all about inclusivity and celebrating the diversity of our communities in every corner of the country.
The Z Manu World Champs also include a focus on water safety, a crucial aspect of the event. For many New Zealanders, bombing is as much a rite of passage as a pastime, and the event’s partnership with Water Safety New Zealand reinforces the importance of safe water practices. It’s an acknowledgment that while manus may be fun, they’re also a reminder of the respect needed around water.
As the Z Manu World Champs gain momentum, they are more than just a competition – they’re a celebration of the art of the manu and a reflection of New Zealand’s love for the outdoors. The manu, with its deep roots in Māori and Pasifika culture, embodies the joy, resilience, and community spirit that define the Aotearoa summer. As the competition grows, so does the opportunity to bring together families and communities across Aotearoa, all united by the thrill of making the biggest splash.
For many of us, the sight of a perfectly executed manu – arms up, back straight, knees bent, bum out – is a cherished symbol of summer. Whether it’s a river, lake, or pool, the location doesn’t matter; what matters is the shared experience of joyfully jumping, making waves, and creating a massive splash with style.
The Z Manu World Champs may be in their early years, but the impact is already undeniable. In a world where free and accessible pastimes are increasingly rare, the manu offers a joyful and inclusive way to celebrate the unique culture of Aotearoa. From the viaduct in Tāmaki Makaurau to rivers and lakes around the country, the manu is both a competition and a connection – a bridge between generations, communities and cultures.
Looking to the future, the Z Manu World Champs promise to continue making waves. With each jump, New Zealanders celebrate not just the art of the manu but also the vibrant community that surrounds it. As the event grows, so too does the legacy of a tradition that is as thrilling as it is enduring. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply watching from the shore, the message is clear: arms up, knees bent, and bum out – make your splash, and let the manu fly.
