Half-brothers go bomb for bomb in Manu comp

It proved a family affair at the first-ever Z Manu qualifier at the Nayland Pool last month for the World Champs in March.

Tione-Rawhiti “T-Man” Haruru-Nuku and Kingston Preston Walker, both 14, starred in the heats for the youth grade, 13 to 17-year-olds, where you have to land on your bottom and make as big a splash as possible.

“I hadn’t practiced much. I just jumped and did a bomb and was  happy as with the judges’ scores. But now I feel pressured as about the final,” says T-Man, who is used to being centre stage with his kapa haka moves.

It was justified as his half-brother Kingston tied with him in the final. They went to a jump-off and Kingston prevailed.

The boys are used to competing on the same side rather than against each other.
“I am No.8 in my Nelson College team and Kingston is a flanker,” confirms T-Man, who is now looking at going to Wellington later in the month for the next qualifying opportunity.

The adult section was just as competitive with 39-year-old Jared Daly landing the best bomb.

“I am normally a fan of staples which are face forward dives. I only learnt the butt first Manu this year. My son Jax taught me,” reveals Jared.

He took Jax and his mates to the 2023 qualifier in Christchurch but couldn’t compete himself because he had swimmer’s ear.

Z Manu founder Scott Rice was on hand and delighted with the turnout given the on and off rain.

“There were some very passionate jumpers, and supporters here.
“We are seeing some of the best skill in the country so far and they certainly going to take on the best at the champs in Auckland,” declares Scott, who launched the event in 2023.

“It’s more than a competition. It is a way of life.
“I love the vibe these events bring and how they bring communities together.”

The series has grown this year with 10 qualifiers and $40,000 in cash and prizes. The adult champions will win $3,000 each.

Scott agrees it is like semi-pro.

His only disappointment was the lack of female competitors, especially in the youth grade.

“They seem to shy away from competing. Maybe because there are so many guys here.”

Scott and his Quantum Events crew were lucky too as no sooner had the third Z Manu qualifier finished, than much heavier rain returned to the Nayland Pool venue.