With few activities aimed specifically at youth in the area, the contest would help fill a gap, he said.
''I've got young boys and they're down here every day at the wharf jumping ... so I thought I'd hold a competition and it just grew from there.''
Expert judges Phil Winnicott (left), Jason Hakaria and Aaron Cowie had a tough job picking the winners. Photo / Peter de Graaf
There were concerns the approach of Cyclone Cody could scuttle the event, but the afternoon turned out fine, albeit extremely windy.
Powerful gusts blowing straight off the harbour turned the contest into a full audience participation event, because it was impossible to watch the action without getting soaked.
Inaugural Far Far North Bomb Comp winner Parker Ashley, 15, of Ahipara, does a backflip from the wharf. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Hakaria said he had great support from local businesses, which had allowed him to offer generous prizes to all placegetters as well as the overall Far Far North Best Bomber 2022.
Health provider Whakawhiti Ora Pai also took part on the day to support the kaupapa, he said.
Hakaria was joined by fellow bomb experts Phil Winnicott and Aaron Cowie on the judging panel.
Bombs away! Fourteen-year-olds Naki Walters-Kiwikiwi, of Kaitaia, and Keito Heighway, of Taipā, jump from the new wharf. Photo / Peter de Graaf
The overall crown — in the form of a printed bucket hat — was won by Parker Ashley, 15, of Ahipara. He also took out the prize for the best staple bomb.
Hakaria hoped to make the contest an annual event.
