Delivered by Tauranga City Council, the event, now in its fourth year, saw the upgraded waterfront flooded with people for an epic day of bombs, energy, and community spirit.
With limited spots available, heats filled rapidly and event participation nearly doubled compared to 2024, with 125 competitors across four divisions. Female participation also soared, with twice as many wahine competing this year, cementing this event as a summer highlight on the revitalised city centre’s event calendar.
Each division crowned a male and female winner who won exclusive Tauranga Moana Manu Champs merchandise, pool passes from Bay Venues and earned their spot to represent Tauranga Moana at the Z Manu World Champs in Auckland on 14 March 2026.
Even our Councillors got involved, with Te Papa Ward Councillor Rod Taylor opening the event and Bethlehem Ward Councillor Kevin Schuler and Mayor Mahé Drysdale making a splash before the heats kicked off.
“Seeing all the competitors, as well as families and friends come together with such energy shows why Tauranga Moana Manu Champs has become a signature part of summer in the city centre” says Te Papa Ward Councillor Rod Taylor.
“Our waterfront has seen a major upgrade over the last few years and it’s very heartening to see the vision come to life with the manu platform, tidal steps, playground and Southern Reserve packed with people and enjoying Te Awanui Tauranga Harbour”.
With more than just competition happening on the waterfront, attendees made the most of the free activations in Southern Waterfront Reserve: 63 fades from Avenue Barbers, 1400 sausage sizzles from Blue Light, and our very own Manu community rap song in production by Phreaze Factory.
Drowning Prevention Aotearoa was on hand teaching life-saving water safety skills, Emergency Management shared tips on how to stay prepared, and Tauranga Moana Biosecurity championed the importance of caring for our waters.
The vibe was driven by top class MCs Francis Kora and Zane Kapeli, supported by an all-star judging panel including Shiray Kākā, Olympic gold medallist and Black Ferns Sevens icon, joining the panel for the first time, Elisha Rolleston an OG from in the Manu scene on the judging panel for the second year and Norm Rahiri the voice behind The Heat FM and the ultimate hype machine, bringing good vibes and energy to the kaupapa.
A floating water boom was installed at the tidal stairs before the event as a fixture in the Manu Zone, identifying the safer area of the harbour for swimmers this summer. New handrails and additional ladders were also installed along the platform to ensure everyone could step up and send it with confidence for the event and this summer.
Tauranga City Council is proud to deliver Tauranga Moana Manu Champs for another year, kicking off summer with a splash. And this is only the beginning. Follow @whatsontauranga on social media or visit whatsontauranga.co.nz to find out what’s on this summer.