Listen Now: 
March 16, 2026
#hakinakina: Thousands Flock to Auckland Waterfront for Spectacular Z Manu World Champs Grand Final
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 16, 2026
Thousands of spectators packed Karanga Plaza on Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour waterfront yesterday as the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final delivered a day of towering splashes, fierce competition, and celebration of one of Aotearoa’s most iconic summer traditions.
The third edition of the championships drew finalists from across New Zealand and Australia after a qualifying season that saw more than 2,000 competitors battle it out for a place in the Grand Final. In total, 130 competitors climbed the custom-built 9-metre by 17-metre platform to compete across kids, youth, adult, and freestyle divisions.
Event founder Scott Rice said the championships have grown significantly since launching three years ago, with both participation and skill levels continuing to rise.
He said the Manu community that has developed around the event has helped elevate the sport, with athletes bringing pride and creativity to the platform while crowds responded with enthusiastic support throughout the day.
Powerful splashes and rising stars
Among the standout performances was Manurewa’s Izrayl Heta, who claimed the Adult Male Manu title with one of the most powerful splashes of the competition. Heta had already drawn attention during the qualifying rounds with a 10.7-metre splash – the second-highest recorded during the nationwide series.
Hamilton’s Aila McQueen continued her impressive Manu journey by stepping up from last year’s Girls champion to win gold in the Youth Female division. She finished ahead of defending champion Zerenity Mill-Simpson from Wellington, while fellow Wellington competitor Hegamanogi Taleta secured third.
In the Youth Male division, Nelson’s Tione Haruru claimed first place, followed by Reino Kauri from Palmerston North and Zion Juvakka Gray from Australia’s Gold Coast.
The Kauri whānau were a strong presence across the event. Reino had hoped to compete alongside his father Pauly Kauri, who won the Nelson qualifier, but injury prevented him from jumping. However, the family still reached the podium with uncle Hilton Kauri finishing third in the Adult Male division.
Northland’s Brooklyn Kay continued Pipiwai’s proud Manu legacy by taking out the Kids Girls title, having also won in 2024. Korōria Hedley from Nelson finished second while Aurora Robson from Hamilton secured third in her first Grand Final appearance.
In the Kids Boys division, Auckland’s Hunter Tangitau took top honours. Nelson’s Nātanahira Hedley finished second, with Braxton Ngaika from Whangārei placing third.
The Hedley siblings – Korōria, Nātanahira and older brother Tūmanako – have become well known in Manu circles, training regularly at Nelson’s Nayland Pool.
Crowd favourite William Fraser, known as the “Coffin King,” successfully defended his Anything But A Manu freestyle title with his trademark coffin-style jump.
In the female freestyle division, Kerrianne Iripa from Hamilton claimed gold in her first Grand Final appearance. Defending champion Xeina Williams from Wellington finished second, while newcomer Nunz Tuitu’u secured third place.
Auckland’s Shonte To’a successfully defended her Adult Female Manu title, a victory she dedicated to her son who inspired her to compete again this year.
Tatiana Tawha Raumati finished second after training regularly at Māngere’s Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Centre, widely regarded as the spiritual home of Manu, while LC Herewini secured third place.
Famous faces join the fun
The event also featured a series of “Famous Faces” jumps, where well-known New Zealand personalities took to the platform to raise funds for Water Safety New Zealand’s Water Skills for Life programme.
Internationally recognised chef Peter Gordon entertained the crowd by debuting a new jump he dubbed “The Potato,” arriving on the platform dressed in full chef attire. Gordon had prepared for the challenge with coaching from Whangārei Manu champion Jahrome Rapata-Taipari.
Social media personality JManGo, currently travelling around the country building a large online following, also took the plunge after receiving last-minute advice from reigning 2025 Adult Male champion Maara Toa.
Former National Rugby League hardman Bruce Hopkins impressed spectators with a backwards somersault entry at 70 years old, while former All Black Piri Weepu also joined the lineup. Police Minister Mark Mitchell returned to the platform after spontaneously jumping at last year’s event.
This year’s championships also welcomed international competitors following the first official Australian qualifier on the Gold Coast.
Australia featured on the podium with Stacie Aporo finishing second in the Adult Male Manu division and Zion Juvakka Gray claiming third in the Youth Male category.
The Grand Final formed part of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival, which celebrates the country’s deep cultural connection to the water.
With massive splashes erupting from the Viaduct Harbour platform and thousands cheering from the waterfront, the Z Manu World Champs once again demonstrated the enduring appeal of the Manu – a joyful and uniquely Kiwi expression of skill, pride, and summertime fun.
RELATED NEWS
