The event
Prepare for a water spectacle like no other, as the Z Manu World Champs hits New Zealand this summer!
The Z Manu World Champs will be a grand celebration of a beloved kiwi pastime – the Manu or (dive) bomb, perfected by enthusiasts at wharves, pools and secret spots throughout the country.
No one Manus like Kiwis do and the Z Manu World Champs will prove it this summer.
Our Foundation
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
Five regional qualifiers consisting of heats (between 17-23 per event)
From each of the five qualifying events, the top ranked athletes will earn their shot at world glory in our FINAL.
Qualified Number of Athletes for FINAL per Regional Event:
Division |
Gender |
WTN |
HAM |
CHCH |
AKL 1 |
AKL 2 |
Total |
| Tamariki / Kids | Boys | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| Girls | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | |
| Rangatahi / Youth | Male | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
| Female | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 15 | |
| Pakeke / Adult | Male | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
| Female | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 15 |
Divisions & Eligibility
Division Ages |
Division Name |
Age as at 9 March 2024 |
| 10 – 12 | Tamariki / Kids | Must be 10, 11 or 12 years |
| 13 – 17 | Rangatahi / Youth | Must be 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 years |
| 18+ | Pakeke / Adult | 18 years or older |
Anybody born 10 March 2014 or later is under the minimum age to compete.
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.
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!
Jump Heights
Depending on the type of (dive) bomb and your division, we have platforms to suit. These vary depending on location (and sometimes tide).
| Tamariki / Kids | Rangatahi / Youth | Pakeke / Adults | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wellington | Jetty, Lower Tower or Higher tower (approx. 3m, 5m & 7m) | Jetty, Lower Tower or Higher tower (approx. 3m, 5m & 7m) | Jetty, Lower Tower or Higher tower (approx. 3m, 5m & 7m) |
| Hamilton | 1m | 1m or 3m | 1m, 3m or 5m |
| Christchurch | 1m | 1m or 3m | 1m or 3m |
| Auckland | 2m | 2m or 3m | 2m, 3m or 5m |
| FINAL | 2m | 3m or 5m | 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 and volume so that a unique score can be given to each athlete.
For the final we will introduce style points, where our panel of judges will award up to 10 points based on your creativity and style. The average of the three judges scores will be added to your final score.
Rules
Any style is allowed! Go classic with the manu, staple, the gorilla, or the coffin, it’s up to you. Want to freestyle? Love it! The only rules we have are:
Cancel icon No run ups
Cancel icon No props (bottles, balls)
Cancel icon No dress up
Ok icon Standard Manu attire required: shorts or togs (rash shirts allowed, but no t-shirts or other clothing items).
Prize money
We’ll be judging the height and volume of your splash using MANUTECH – our NASA-level video judging software. For the final we will introduce a ‘Pop Meter’, which will measure the decibels your Manu has produced.
$30K in cash & prizes
All division prizes awarded to both male and female
| Pakeke / Adult | 1st Male & Female | $3,000 each |
| Pakeke / Adult | 2nd Male & Female | $1,500 each |
| Pakeke / Adult | 3rd Male & Female | $500 each |
| Rangatahi / Youth | 1st Male & Female | $500 each |
| Rangatahi / Youth | 2nd Male & Female | $300 each |
| Rangatahi / Youth | 3rd Male & Female | $200 each |
| Tamariki / Kids | Prize pack |
Each entry will receive a beach towel thanks to Snackachangi
Each finalist will receive a medal
Support for the final
The Grand Final will take place in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Saturday 9th of March.
If you qualify, we’ll give you a helping hand, thanks to Z, to make your way to the FINAL.
Each qualified athlete will receive Z vouchers to the following values:
- Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland: $50
- Kirikiriroa / Hamilton: $100
- Pōneke / Wellington: $250
- Ōtautahi / Christchurch: $500
Entry fees
All entrants receive a beach towel thanks to Snackachangi, and an opportunity to become to a World Champ in their division. Imagine that!
Division Ages |
Division Name |
Pricing |
Age as at 9 March 2024 |
| 10 – 12 | Tamariki / Kids | $10 | Must be 10, 11 or 12 years |
| 13 – 17 | Rangatahi / Youth | $15 | Must be 13, 14, 15, 16 or 17 years |
| 18+ | Pakeke / Adult | $20 | 18 years or older |
Anybody born 10 March 2014 or later is ineligible.
Push Play Manu Sessions
You’re invited to Push Play this summer.
Here’s your opportunity to give it a go without judgement. Or, if you’ve registered and keen for a bit of bombing practice these FREE sessions are open to all ages and your chance to have some fun while being manu safe.
Consider yourself a handy manu-goer or perhaps you’ve always wanted to try it? Perhaps there are some manu experts in the fam? Rally your pals, your cuzzies, or even the next door neighbour and get moving with the manu!
We’ll be there to make sure everyone stays safe and has a blast, but no need to worry about judgment here. We’re not handing out scores. The Push Play Manu Sessions will be held in Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch and Auckland.
Be Manu safe
As always peeps the best Manu is a safe Manu, so don’t be that guy.
Ok icon Only jump when you know the depth of the water below.
Ok icon Only jump when your cuzzies have swum out of the landing area.
Ok icon Check you’ve got a safe entry and exit point to the water.
Ok icon All good?
Ok icon Mean as.
Ok icon Pop hard.