All Eyes On Wellington As Z Manu World Champs Super Qualifier Hits The Capital

All eyes turn to the capital this weekend as the Z Manu World Champs Super Qualifier lands at the Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre on Saturday 31 January.

Among those set to compete is former All Black Piri Weepu, who will take to the boards alongside a strong field of returning Grand Finalists and reigning champions - including his niece Zerenity Mill-Simpson, the current Female Youth Champion, as well as his son.

Wellington’s Super Qualifier will also feature Xeina Williams, the current Female Open Freestyle Champion, and Ella Mohi-Henare, Youth Female Champion (2024), both looking to secure their place at the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final in March.

The Youth Female competition is shaping up as one of the most compelling storylines of the weekend. Ella Mohi-Henare claimed the Youth Female title at the 2024 Grand Final, but narrowly missed out to Zerenity Mill-Simpson at the 2025 Grand Final. The two young Manu athletes are friends, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive - but friendly - showdown in Wellington.

The next generation of Manu talent will also be on display, with Tamariki/Kids Boys Grand Finalist Andonis Neonakis returning after delivering the biggest splash of the day in Wellington last year. Neonakis has been training hard and will be looking to improve on his previous Grand Final placing, while Jahzaiah Mill-Simpson, Zerenity’s brother, is also set to compete.

Event Director Scott Rice says Wellington continues to be a key stop on the Z Manu World Champs calendar. “The Wellington Regional Aquatic Centre has proven to be an outstanding all-weather venue, and the capital always brings strong crowds and great energy. It’s shaping up to be another big weekend.”

Former All Black Piri Weepu is an ambassador for the event and its Manu with Mana message, supported by Water Safety New Zealand. Says Weepu - “The Z Manu World Champs is an awesome whānau event - but water safety remains central to the kaupapa. Have fun, stay safe! I’m really looking forward to it.”

Another 20 finalists will be selected in Wellington, securing their place at the 2026 Z Manu World Champs Grand Final and keeping momentum building as the competition heads toward Auckland.

Wellington’s qualifier also incorporate the groundbreaking and award winning ManuTech system, measuring splash height with extreme precision. The event’s unique approach to technology has made waves internationally, with a team of roboticists at GeorgiaTech in the U.S.A recognizing the science behind Manu technique, exploring it through research focused on fluid dynamics.

The Z Manu World Champs Grand Final will be held in Auckland on Saturday 14 March as part of Moana Auckland – New Zealand’s Ocean Festival. Wellington’s Super Qualifier is held with support from Wellington City Council.

About The Manu

The Manu, also known as the dive bomb, is a beloved Kiwi pastime, perfected by enthusiasts at wharves, pools, and secret spots throughout New Zealand. The Manu is a Kiwi version of a dive bomb technique. In the classic Manu the lower back and buttocks enter the water first, with the body in a distinctive V shape formation. Underwater the body extends and unfolds as water explodes in an impressive splash. The bigger the splash the better! Variations include The Staple (hands and feet hit the water first), The Coffin (feet first, body slightly leaned back) and The Gorilla (an upside down bomb). Popping a Manu with a ball will, if executed properly, send the ball sky high amidst the impressive splash!

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