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.
Ardie Davis of Kerikeri launches himself from the manu platform.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Spectators line Russell’s historic waterfront for the Manu Masters.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
The judges deliver their verdicts on style, splash and wairua.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
Toby Johnston, of Paihia Dive, takes the leap.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
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.
Photo: RNZ/Peter de Graaf
