Pop the right manu and you could bring home a world champion title, bragging rights, and a share of a $40,000 prize pool. After last summer saw the debut of the Z Manu World Championships , the one-of-a-kind competition will return in its second iteration with new cities on board, more prize money up for grabs, and cutting-edge technology introduced to determine the winners. The manu is said to be a New Zealand invention and is one of Kiwis’ favourite things to do around the water.
The unique bomb technique requires one’s body to form a distinct V-shape so the bum and lower back hit the water first, before the arms and legs are immediately extended back out to create a deafening clap and a soaring splash. With over 2000 people competing across the motu last year, including former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick and retired rugby star Piri Weepu , the unique contest is being opened up to a wider range of participants, with organisers working with communities to set up qualifiers for the grand final in some of the country’s smaller cities. While last year’s competition required many participants to travel long journeys to make the official qualifying rounds held in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton, five more regional cities have pledged to run their own for the upcoming world championships.
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