The event
A water spectacle like no other, the Z Manu World Champs is back this summer – and once again making a splash across the ditch!
We’re taking the event to new heights with 12 qualifiers across 11 cities, including the Hallensteins Aussie Manu Champs on the Gold Coast, giving even more people the chance to compete for the ultimate Manu crown.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just keen to give it a go, there’s a place for you in our two epic divisions:
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The classic Manu Division (Kids, Youth, and Adult categories)
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The Old Skool Division, open to all ages for those who want to show off their flair, flips, and creativity.
Born in Aotearoa, the Manu (or dive bomb) has long been a beloved Kiwi pastime, perfected from backyard pools, wharves, lakes, and secret summer spots across the country.
And now, with more qualifiers, more cities, and more epic drops, we’re proud to celebrate its rise on the world stage.
No one Manus like Kiwis do, but we’re ready to see what Australia’s got. Let’s go!
Our Guiding Principles
Manu World Champs recognises the unique role of Māori as tangata whenua of Aotearoa New Zealand and embraces Te Tiriti o Waitangi recognising Māori as tino rangatiratanga of Aotearoa/New Zealand. In building this event we are working in partnership with tangata whenua and reference the Wai Puna model focused on strengthening connection to water through Whakapapa: Attitudes & Beliefs, Mātauranga: Knowledge and Tikanga: Behaviour, which reflect a Māori worldview. Wai Puna is a theory of Maori water safety developed by Dr Chanel Phillips (Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi), co-director of Te Koronga Indigenous Science Research Themes.
Competition format
8 Official Qualifier events in the following locations: Dunedin, Hastings, Nelson, Mangere, Tauranga, Whangārei, Christchurch and Palmerston North. From each of these events, the winners of each category qualify for the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final, in Auckland, on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April 2027.
3 Super Qualifier events in Wellington, Hamilton and Auckland. From Wellington and Hamilton regional Super Qualifier events, the winner in each of the Kids’ Manu divisions and in the Old Skool divisions, as well as the top 2 in the Youth and Adult Manu divisions, qualify for the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final. For the Auckland Super Qualifier, the top 4 in the Kids Manu divisions and in the Old Skool divisions, as well as the top 6 in the Youth and Adult divisions, qualify for the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final.
Hallenstein’s Aussie Manu Champs on the Gold Coast qualifiers for Z Manu World Champs Grand Final, in Auckland TBA
Qualified Number of Athletes for GRAND FINAL per Qualifying Event:
Division |
Gender |
DUN |
HAS |
NEL |
MAN |
TGA |
WHA |
WTN |
AUS |
HAM |
CHC |
PAL |
AKL |
Total |
| Tamariki / Kids | Boys | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 16 |
| Girls | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 16 | |
| Rangatahi / Youth | Male | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 21 |
| Female | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 21 | |
| Pakeke / Adult | Male | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 21 |
| Female | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 21 | |
| Old Skool | Male | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 16 |
| Female | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 16 |
Divisions, categories & eligibility
Division Name |
Division Age |
Age as on 4 April 2027 |
| Manu Tamariki / Kids | 8 – 12 | Must be 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 years old |
| Manu Rangatahi / Youth | 13 – 17 | Must be 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 years old |
| Manu Pakeke / Adult | 18+ | 18 years and older |
| Old Skool* | 8+ | 8 years and older |
Anybody born 5 April 2019 or later is under the minimum age to participate.
*Old Skool is any bomb style other than Manu. The definition of a Manu is: a bomb technique where the body is in a clear V-shape and the bum hits the water first.
Please note that you may only enter each qualification event once (there are 12 in total). At the Super Qualifiers (Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland), you can still qualify for the Grand Final in both the Manu and Old Skool divisions as long as you entered one heat only. Should you have entered more than one heat, the results of your first heat only will be considered for your ranking.
For other qualifying events rules and regulations regarding divisions and number of entries, please check the specific details through the event links on the locations page.
Styles
We’re all about celebrating the art of popping Manus – the most famous bomb in the world, invented right here in Aotearoa!
Our event is where bomb legends from all walks of life come together to make waves, take flight, and Manu into greatness. Whether you’re a popping pro or a sideline shouter, there’s a place for everyone at the Z Manu World Champs. After the massive success of our inaugural event, we have spoken to so many of you and decided to honour the Manu even more by giving it its own division!
From now on we will have a Manu only division, as well as an Old Skool division. You guessed it right, Manus only (V-shape and bum first) in the Manu division and all other styles in the Old Skool division.
Each style has its unique strengths and challenges. The Manu demands the utmost skill, with intricate movements throughout the fall. On the other hand, the Coffin (Te Kāwhena) offers a smoother entry, though none of these techniques are a breeze to perfect.
Te Manu
(The V Bomb)
The most popular of bombs. Where the bum hits the water first followed by the arms and legs in a ‘V’ shape.
Te Tēpara
(The Staple)
A true classic and iconic bomb style entering hands and feet first.
Te Korirā
(The Gorilla)
Like a powerful gorilla plunging in head and shoulders first, a force to be reckoned with.
Te Kāwhena
(The Coffin)
A daring feet-first drop with a subtle lean back, creating a wider splash canvas.
Te Pōro Repo
(The Cannonball)
A massive jump with arms holding the knees tight against the chest … cannonbaaaaaaaaaaall!
Styles cont..
Where the Manu division has age categories, the Old Skool division is ‘open’, meaning no age categories. You can enter the Old Skool division as long as you’re 8 years or older on the day of the Grand Final; Sunday 4 April 2027.
During the Super Qualifiers, you decide what style you go for. Should you qualify for the Grand Final, you must then perform that style (so you can’t qualify with a Manu and then do a different style during the Grand Final).
At the Super Qualifiers the judges will decide if your jump was a Manu or Old Skool. For the other Qualifiers you just need to double check how they are structured and if you need to enter a specific division. You can find all this information through each specific event link on the locations page.
Jump Heights
Depending on your age, we have platform heights to suit.
Platform heights vary depending on location (and sometimes tide).
Tamariki / kids can go a maximum platform height of 3m.
| Tamariki / Kids | Rangatahi / Youth | Pakeke / Adults | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunedin | WHARF | WHARF | WHARF |
| Hastings | 1.5m | 1.5m | 1.5m |
| Nelson | 1m or 3m | 1m or 3m | 1m or 3m |
| Mangere | 1m | 1m | 1m |
| Tauranga | WHARF | WHARF | WHARF |
| Whangarei | 1m or 3m | 1m, 3m or 5m | 1m, 3m or 5m |
| Wellington | 1m or 3m | 1m, 3m or 5m | 1m, 3m or 5m |
| Hallensteins Aussie Manu Champs | 1m or 3m | 1m, 3m or 5m | 1m, 3m or 5m |
| Hamilton | 1m or 3m | 1m, 3m or 5m | 1m, 3m or 5m |
| Christchurch | 1m or 3m | 1m or 3m | 1m or 3m |
| Palmerston North | 1m or 3m | 1m, 3m or 5m | 1m, 3m or 5m |
| Auckland | 2m or 3m | 2m, 3m or 5m | 2m, 3m or 5m |
| GRAND FINAL | 2m or 3m | 2m, 3m or 5m | 2m, 3m or 5m |
Judging
We’ve developed MANUTECH with our friends from AUT. Our team of Manu technicians will capture each jump on video and the world’s first ManuTech software will instantly freeze and calculate the splash height so that a unique score can be given to each athlete.
Note, MANUTECH is used at the Super Qualifiers and Grand Final. The Official Qualifiers, Dunedin, Hastings, Nelson, Mangere, Tauranga, Whangarei, Hallensteins Aussie Manu Champs, Christchurch and Palmerston North will be judged by a judging panel appointed by each event organiser.
Rules
In the Manu division, of course, you must perform a Manu! If any body part, other than the bum, touches the water first, your attempt will be judged as Old Skool. Furthermore, your body must be in the classic V-shape.
For the Old Skool division any style is allowed! Go with a staple, gorilla, coffin, backslap 😉, it’s up to you.
For both division we have the following rules:
Cancel icon Strictly no run ups
Cancel icon You must jump straight out (no sideways jumping)
Cancel icon No props (bottles, balls)
Cancel icon No climbing on any structures
Ok icon Standard Manu attire, but no jeans allowed*
*Please note it is at the discretion of each event organiser to disallow certain clothing, especially when carrying sponsor or company brands/logo(s) or when deemed to carry political or offensive messaging. Manufacturer logo of a small size will be permitted.
Please note that at Super Qualifiers it is not allowed to use the springboard to bounce prior to jumping. You can us the momentum of the springboard only once; strictly no bouncing.
For Official Qualifiers the springboard rules will be explained at the briefing prior to jumping.
Failure to follow the rules will result in disqualification for the jump in question.
Prize money
$75K in cash & prizes!
The following prize money or prizes will be awarded to winners and place getters at the Grand Final in each bomb division and age category.
| Manu Pakeke / Adult | 1st Male & Female | $3,000 |
| Manu Pakeke / Adult | 2nd Male & Female | $1,500 |
| Manu Pakeke / Adult | 3rd Male & Female | $500 |
| Manu Rangatahi / Youth | 1st Male & Female | $1500 |
| Manu Rangatahi / Youth | 2nd Male & Female | $500 |
| Manu Rangatahi / Youth | 3rd Male & Female | $250 |
| Manu Tamariki / Kids | 1st Male & Female | $300 |
| Manu Tamariki / Kids | 2nd Male & Female | $150 |
| Manu Tamariki / Kids | 3rd Male & Female | $50 |
| Old Skool | 1st Male & Female | $1500 |
| Old Skool | 2nd Male & Female | $500 |
| Old Skool | 3rd Male & Female | $250 |
All Grand Final participants will receive a finalist medal
Support getting to the final
The 2027 Grand Final will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April.
If you qualify, and attend, we’ll give you a helping hand getting there, thanks to our friends at Z.
Each North Island qualified athlete will receive Z vouchers to the following values:
- Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland: $50
- Whangārei: $100
- Kirikiriroa / Hamilton: $75
- Tauranga: $125
- Pōneke / Wellington: $350
- Heretaunga / Hastings: $250
- Papaioea / Palmerston North: $300
Each South Island qualified athlete will receive the following:
- Whakatū / Nelson, Ōtepoti / Dunedin and Ōtautahi / Christchurch: return flights to Auckland will be provided (one per qualified person, with the kids’ qualifiers receiving one additional return flight for a parent/guardian).
Hallensteins Aussie Manu Champs:
- Return flights to Auckland will be provided for 4 finalists (Adult Male, Adult Female, Youth Male, Youth Female) to fly to the Grand Final in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, on 3 & 4 April. Flights, two nights’ accommodation, and $250 spending money included! (and for the Youth category, we will fly a parent or guardian to come watch you compete in the final as well!).
Entry fees
All registered participants to the competition receive an entry gift thanks to our sponsors and the opportunity to become a World Champ in their division. Imagine that!
OFFICIAL QUALIFIERS – DUNEDIN, HASTINGS, NELSON, MANGERE, TAURANGA, WHANGAREI, CHRISTCHURCH & PALMERSTON NORTH
Entry to these events is completely FREE! However, please note that some locations may have a small pool entry fee to access the venue.
HALLENSTEINS AUSSIE MANU CHAMPS
Age |
Division Name |
Pricing |
Age as at 4 April 2027 |
| 8 – 12 | Manu or Old Skool | TBD | Must be 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 years |
| 13 – 17 | Manu or Old Skool | TBA | Must be 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 years |
| 18+ | Manu or Old Skool | TBA | 18 years or older |
Anybody born 5 April 2019 or later is under the minimum age to participate.
SUPER QUALIFIERS – WELLINGTON, HAMILTON & AUCKLAND CBD
The below entry fees below are for the Super Qualifiers in Wellington, Hamilton, and Auckland.
Age |
Division Name |
Pricing |
Age as at 4 April 2027 |
| 8 – 12 | Manu or Old Skool | $10 | Must be 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 years |
| 13 – 17 | Manu or Old Skool | $15 | Must be 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 years |
| 18+ | Manu or Old Skool | $20 | 18 years or older |
Anybody born 5 April 2019 or later is under the minimum age to participate.
Push Play Manu Sessions
FREE PUSH PLAY MANU SESSIONS
Get Ready to Push Play This Summer!
Thanks to CLM, pools across the country will be hosting Push Play Manu Sessions. Click here to find a location near you and get ready to Push Play.
Manu With Mana
Ok icon Respect the water.
Ok icon Take care of yourself and others.
Ok icon Find the safest place.
Ok icon If in doubt, stay out.
Ok icon Know how to float.