The competition was started in 2021 by then-Flaxmere councillor Peleti Oli, according to Mayor Hazelhurst, who said Oli has the “the vision to create a local competition for manu enthusiasts”.
Councillor Wendy Schollum joined the judging table this year. She said as someone who thought they’d perfected the classic “bomb”, she was blown away by the skill and precision the manu competitors brought to the pool.
“To get top points, it wasn’t just about the splash - judging criteria included style, splash height, sound impact, and jump height, which had to be achieved without a running start,” Councillor Schollum said.
“The creativity was next-level. The mix of skill, flair and showmanship made judging this event an absolute blast, and it’s incredible to see how manu culture has evolved into such an artform.”
The competition comprised four divisions, and the winner of each automatically qualified for the Z Manu World Champs.
Results:
Manu tamariki kids (Ages 8-12)
1st – Ruka Clarke-Waapu
2nd – Kaya Waapu
3rd – Kanzis Dixon Watson
Manu rangatahi youth (ages 13-17)
1st – Stanton Ropiha
2nd – Haami Brown
3rd – Boyden O’Donnell
Manu pakeke adults (ages 18+)
1st – Deshay Timu
2nd – Petera Kahui
3rd – Campbell Ohara
Freestyle (all ages)
1st – Stanton Ropiha
2nd- Javan Pahau
3rd – Chris Currey
