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March 16, 2026
#Hākinakina: Big weekend across sport as Warriors fire, Manu champs splash down and Kiwis shine overseas
Dale Husband
Posted On March 16, 2026
Download AudioIt was another action-packed weekend across the sporting world, with big performances on the water, the field and the international stage.
Thousands of spectators gathered on the Auckland waterfront as the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final delivered one of the most colourful and energetic sporting spectacles of the summer. The event at Karanga Plaza drew huge crowds to watch competitors from across Aotearoa and Australia compete in multiple divisions after a qualifying season involving more than 2,000 athletes.
Standout performances included Manurewa’s Izrayl Heta claiming the Adult Male Manu title, while Hamilton’s Aila McQueen secured victory in the Youth Female division and Nelson’s Tione Haruru took out the Youth Male title. Auckland’s Hunter Tangitau won the Kids Boys category and Northland’s Brooklyn Kay captured the Kids Girls title, while Shonte To’a successfully defended the Adult Female crown.
On the rugby league field, the Warriors continued their strong start to the NRL season with a commanding 40–6 victory over the Canberra Raiders at Go Media Stadium in Auckland. The match was locked at six-all at halftime before the Warriors exploded in the second half with 34 unanswered points. Leka Halasima and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak both scored doubles as the home side maintained a winning start to the 2026 campaign.
In Super Rugby Pacific, the Blues delivered a dominant performance at Eden Park, defeating Moana Pasifika 43–7. The result strengthened the Blues’ position near the top of the competition standings while Moana Pasifika continue searching for consistency this season.
Elsewhere in rugby, the Crusaders secured a win in their South Island clash with the Highlanders, continuing the fierce regional rivalry in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Football fans also had something to celebrate with Wellington Phoenix reviving their A-League playoff hopes after a crucial win over Perth Glory. The result keeps the Phoenix firmly in the hunt as the season enters its decisive stages.
There was also drama in the NRL across the Tasman as South Sydney winger Alex Johnston broke the league’s all-time try-scoring record, prompting jubilant scenes with fans spilling onto the field to celebrate the historic moment.
On the international stage, Kiwi driver Liam Lawson delivered a strong performance in Formula One, finishing seventh at the Chinese Grand Prix in a race that saw several leading contenders struggle to even reach the starting grid.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s Adam Hall added to the country’s medal tally by claiming silver at the Paralympics, another highlight for Kiwi athletes competing on the world stage.
In cricket, the Black Caps suffered a setback in the opening match of their T20 series against South Africa at Mount Maunganui, losing by seven wickets in the first of five matches.
From massive Manu splashes on the Auckland waterfront to big wins in league, rugby and international competition, it was a weekend that showcased the depth of sporting talent across Aotearoa and beyond.
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