Z Manu World Champs returns this summer 2026-2027

It's time to dust off the staple, bring back the gorilla, and get the coffin out of retirement because... IT'S MANU SEASON!

The Z Manu World Champs are back for the 2026-27 season, celebrating one of the most iconic traditions in Aotearoa - the Manu!

Z Manu World Champs 2026-2027

The Manu is a cornerstone of summer culture across New Zealand, bringing communities together around pools, beaches, and water parks across the motu.

The Z Manu World Champs is where bomb legends from all walks of life come together to make waves, take flight, and Manu into greatness. Whether you’re a popping pro or a sideline supporter, there’s a place for everyone at the Z Manu World Champs.

This season features divisions for every age group, including an Old Skool Division designed for those who perfected their staples, gorillas, and coffins back in the 80s, 90s, or 2000s. Parents can even line up alongside their teenagers for ultimate bragging rights on the pool deck.

If you prefer to stay dry, bringing your whānau and mates down to support your local qualifiers is just as rewarding.

📅 Season Qualifier Schedule

• Sat 5th Dec - Dunedin - Steamers' Wharf

• Sat 12th Dec - Hastings - Havelock North Village Pool

• Sat 19th Dec - Nelson - Nayland Pool

• Sat 9th Jan - Mangere - Moana Nui-a-Kiwa Pools

• Sat 16th Jan - Tauranga - Tauranga Central Waterfront

• Sat 23rd Jan - Whangārei - Whangārei Aquatic Centre

• Sat 30th Jan - Wellington - Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre

• Fri 5th - Sun 7th Feb - Hallensteins Aussie Manu Champs - Gold Coast, Australia

• Sat 27th Feb - Hamilton - Waterworld

• Sat 6th Mar - Christchurch - Jellie Park

• Sat 13th Mar - Palmerston North - Lido Aquatic Pool

• Thurs 18th - Sun 21st Mar - Auckland - Karanga Plaza Viaduct Harbour

The season all leads to the Grand Final on Saturday 3rd - Sunday 4th April at Karanga Plaza, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD.

🎟️ Entry Fees

OFFICIAL QUALIFIERS - Dunedin, Hastings, Nelson, Mangere, Tauranga, Whangārei, Christchurch & Palmerston North

Entry to these events is completely FREE! However, you must pre-register at www.manuworldchamps.com and please note that some locations may have a small pool entry fee to access the venue.

SUPER QUALIFIERS – Wellington, Hamilton & Auckland CBD

Entry fees for the Super Qualifiers range from $10-$20 depending on age division. Register at www.manuworldchamps.com

All participants must be over the age of 8 years old (as of 4 April 2027) to compete.

💰 $75K in cash & prizes!

The following prize money or prizes will be awarded to winners and place getters at the Grand Final in each bomb division and age category.

Manu Pakeke / Adult - 1st Male & Female - $3,000

Manu Pakeke / Adult - 2nd Male & Female - $1,500

Manu Pakeke / Adult - 3rd Male & Female - $500

Manu Rangatahi / Youth - 1st Male & Female - $1500

Manu Rangatahi / Youth - 2nd Male & Female - $500

Manu Rangatahi / Youth - 3rd Male & Female - $250

Manu Tamariki / Kids - 1st Male & Female - $300

Manu Tamariki / Kids - 2nd Male & Female - $150

Manu Tamariki / Kids - 3rd Male & Female - $50

Old Skool - 1st Male & Female - $1500

Old Skool - 2nd Male & Female - $500

Old Skool - 3rd Male & Female - $250

All Grand Final participants will receive a finalist medal.

Think your Manu has what it takes to crown you as the Z Manu World Champ?

Head over to manuworldchamps.com for more info on how to register and get amongst the fun this summer!