In photos: Competitors make a splash at Russell Manu Masters


Caped competitor Nathan Kirk, aka Jack the Rat, flies the flag for the UK at Russell’s Manu Masters.

Caped competitor Nathan Kirk, aka Jack the Rat, flies the flag for the UK at Russell’s Manu Masters.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

The coffin, the staple, the cheese-cutter, the flying squirrel, the tornado, the back-slapper and the time-honoured manu bomb.

Those were just a few of the many styles on show during a hotly contested bomb contest at Russell wharf on Saturday.

The Manu Masters, now in its fourth year, is one of the more light-hearted events that make up Matariki festivities in the Bay of Islands.

The 2024 edition boasted a double-level jumping platform for the first time, with competitors able to jump from as high as 4.3m into water that measured a chilly 14.5 degrees.

Also new this year was an award honouring Tim “Sticke” Grant, a Russell identity and past event organiser, who died in May.

He was remembered not with a minute’s silence, but a more fitting 30 seconds of applause.

The 30-plus contestants, ranging in age from eight to 63, were judged on style, splash and wairua (spirit), with the top eight going through to a final round.

This year’s supreme title went to Kree Smith, a 30-year-old qualified chef, rigger, abseiler and competitive trampolinist, who is currently working as a stay-at-home dad in Northland’s Wainui Valley.

Smith said the secret to success in manu was simple: “It’s practice, bro, practice.”

The previous evening, more than 1000 people gathered at Waitangi to mark Matariki – or Puanga as the new year is also known in the north – with kai, music, bouncy castles, bonfires on the beach, and a fireworks display.

That event was organised at short notice by Te Tii Marae and Focus Paihia after a government funding cut forced the cancellation of a planned light and waka show at Paihia.

Manu Masters: Ardie Davis of Kerikeri launches himself from the manu platform.

Ardie Davis of Kerikeri launches himself from the manu platform.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Quinn, from Russell, demonstrates the flying squirrel.

Quinn, from Russell, demonstrates the flying squirrel.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Supreme champion Kree Smith, of Northland’s Wainui Valley, hits the water at Russell's Manu Masters.

Supreme champion Kree Smith, of Northland’s Wainui Valley, hits the water at Russell’s Manu Masters.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Fourteen-year-old Luka Guthrie, of Auckland, executes a flawless dive from a handstand start

Fourteen-year-old Luka Guthrie, of Auckland, executes a flawless dive from a handstand start
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Rob Williams, of Russell, made the biggest splash.

Rob Williams, of Russell, made the biggest splash.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Spectators line Russell’s historic waterfront for the Manu Masters.

Spectators line Russell’s historic waterfront for the Manu Masters.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Watarauhi, aka Ruru from Whangaruru, shows his style.

Watarauhi, aka Ruru from Whangaruru, shows his style.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Supreme winner Kree Smith, of Northland’s Wainui Valley, eggs on the crowd.

Supreme winner Kree Smith, of Northland’s Wainui Valley, eggs on the crowd.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

The judges deliver their verdicts on style, splash and wairua.

The judges deliver their verdicts on style, splash and wairua.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Toby Johnston, of Paihia Dive, takes the leap.

Toby Johnston, of Paihia Dive, takes the leap.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Kree Smith bursts from the water after his winning manu.

Kree Smith bursts from the water after his winning manu.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Laetin George, of Waikare in Northland, demonstrates the cheese-cutter in the final round.

Laetin George, of Waikare in Northland, demonstrates the cheese-cutter in the final round.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Auckland’s Theo Guthrie, 16, launches himself upside-down into the Bay of Islands.

Auckland’s Theo Guthrie, 16, launches himself upside-down into the Bay of Islands.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

A competitor splashes down in front of safety diver Craig Johnston.

A competitor splashes down in front of safety diver Craig Johnston.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Judge Kent Thwaites presents Maryanne Hooson with a special award in memory of the late Tim

Judge Kent Thwaites presents Maryanne Hooson with a special award in memory of the late Tim “Sticke” Grant.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf

Kree Smith celebrates his win with baby Syden Mager-Smith, 12 weeks, and judge Kent Thwaites.

Kree Smith celebrates his win with baby Syden Mager-Smith, 12 weeks, and judge Kent Thwaites.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf



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