Acclaimed chef turns in the apron for a manu

There’ll be plenty of Kiwis making a splash at Auckland’s Viaduct on Saturday, for the annual manu competition.

Restaurateur Peter Gordon said he’s been wanting to participate for some time now, but 2026 was finally the time where other commitments didn’t get in the way.

The free spirited nature of the sport is what attracted him initially.

“What I love about the manus is that it’s not necessarily about years of training… it’s just about the freedom of being in the water. It’s lots of fun, it’s a bit of a laugh. People take it seriously but also not seriously, so it’s kind of like a sport for anyone,” he explained to rova. 

He likens it to diving straight back into his childhood.

“You speak to some of the competitors and they've been diving off bridges like I used to, like jetties and wharves for a long time.”

“I think it’s hilarious, I love it. It’s just so good.”

Organiser of the event, Scott Rice, said he too was driven by childhood fun.

“I loved all water sports. I loved doing bombs when I was younger. I lifeguarded for many years and watched kids do it, and I just love it.” he told rova.

Gordon is one of the Famous Faces division, alongside actor Bruce Hopkins, former All Black Piri Weepu, Minister Mark Mitchell, and others. 

Together, these local celebrities are aiming to raise awareness (and money) for youth water safety.

“I was lucky,” Gordon explains, “we had a pool at home, so I was swimming from a really early age. But a lot of youngsters don't always come from schools that have swimming pools and don't get training.” 

Chief Executive of Water Safety New Zealand, Glen Scanlon, said in a statement that it’s good to see well-known names jump for the opportunity. 

“It is essential that we build a culture of water safety in New Zealand so we can enjoy the beautiful waters of Aotearoa safely. Every bit of support is appreciated and makes a real difference for those who might not be able to access water safety skills usually.” 

Participants are encouraged to “Manu with Mana”, which includes checking the water before jumping, ensuring the water below is clear before popping a manu and making sure kids can float.

 Scott Rice revealed to rova the secret to a perfect manu.

“Well, I'm speaking from a theoretical point of view because I've watched probably ten to twenty thousand of them,” he laughed. 

“A really good takeoff off the platform…and then in-flight it's really preparing yourself for the entry to the water. A manu, which is a style of dive bomb, is getting into a V-shape, a nice tuck where the rear end hits the water first. As you enter the water, you kick out, and it creates this big propulsion of splash that goes straight up.”

“So it is very much technique-based, it's a real skill, it's a real sport… the biggest aren't always the ones that win,” he added.

130 will compete across youth, adult and freestyle divisions on Saturday for the title of “Manu Champion”.

Header image: Supplied