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Hastings made waves on Saturday as the Havelock North Village Pool drew about 650 people to the first North Island qualifier for the Z Manu World Champs, with competitors bombing, bellyflopping and V-dropping their way towards a place in the 2026 Grand Final.

The event followed last week’s opener in Dunedin and marked the second stop on the road to Auckland in March, where finalists will represent their region at the world championships.

The Havelock North Village Pool hosted the North Island qualifier for the Z Manu World Champs, drawing 650 attendees. Photo / Paul Taylor

Event director Scott Rice said the Hastings round delivered one of the strongest starts yet.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better day in Hastings. Brilliant weather, hugely supportive crowds, and a record number of registrations made for an outstanding qualifier,” Rice said.

“It was great to see new talent coming through – including a few athletes who improved on their ranking from last year – and it was really positive to work again with the Hastings District Council to bring this event to life”.

Mayor Wendy Schollum said the day captured the spirit of a Hastings summer.

“Saturday’s Manu Champs highlighted everything our community loves about our wonderful summers: great weather, great energy, and a community that turns out to support our own,” she said.

Male junior division winner Ibrahim Eyles, of Flaxmere, with manu judge and Hastings District councillor Heather Te Au Skipworth (left) and Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum. Photo / Paul Taylor

One standout was Javan Pahau, who won both the Adult Manu division and the “Anything but a Manu” category. Pahau narrowly missed last year’s finals and returned after a shoulder injury kept him out of the water for months.

“I am stoked. That was my first bomb of the season, and I can’t wait to get to the Grand Final in Auckland”.

Tauranga will host the final qualifier of 2025 on Saturday before the series resumes in January, including a first-ever Gold Coast event.

Hastings 2025 results

Junior Division – Male

1st: Ibrahim Eyles

2nd: Zhyris Williams

3rd: Aunahi Watene

Youth Division – Male

1st: Huntah Heke

2nd: Issac Tuifeai

3rd: Honiana Tarau

Youth Division – Female (Manu)

1st: Jahnaya Eyles

Adults – Manu

1st: Javan Pahau

2nd: Tys Williams

3rd: Petera Kahui

Freestyle – Female

Winner: Sharn Heenan

Anything but a Manu Division – Open

1st: Javan Pahau

2nd: Isaac Tuifeia

3rd: Petera Kahui