A spectacular seven-meter structure has appeared in Viaduct Harbour today as the Z Manu World Champs finally reach Tāmaki Makaurau.
The impressive tower, custom-built for the Auckland leg of the event, will showcase not only a quintessentially Kiwi event but the power of strategic partnerships and an event more than two years in the making.
Organiser, Scott Rice says, “Whilst bomb comps have been held locally for years, an event of this scale is only possible thanks to a group of very strong and complementary brands and supporters – in particular our naming rights partner Z Energy. Together we have created a platform, quite literally, to celebrate the art of the Manu and deliver an event that truly encapsulates the Kiwi summer. This is the largest Manu / dive bomb comp New Zealand has ever seen!”
Partners include naming rights sponsor Z Energy, Water Safety NZ, Push Play (Sports NZ), ZM, Flava, Christchurch City Council, Hamilton City Council, Wellington City Council and Lumo. In Tāmaki Makaurau, the event is part of Moana Auckland – celebrating our love for the ocean. Manus are as Kiwi as they come, so supporters like Tip Top, Skinny, Snackachangi, Original Kiwi Dip are also a natural fit.
Z General Manager Customer, Andy Baird, says the opportunity to be involved in a quintessential New Zealand first was a great fit. “We’re getting behind the Z Manu World Champs to help give people the opportunity to have a bit of fun this summer in a uniquely kiwi way.”
Emily Travers, NZME Head of Commercial Sport, Partnerships and Events said: “Events like the Z Manu World Champs provide fantastic opportunities to connect with local communities across the country. Two of our hit music stations, ZM and Flava are perfectly aligned and we love how accessible this event is and encourage Kiwis to show us their best manu!” she says.
Flava host Hadleigh Pouesi is hosting the events themselves and a TVNZ show that will run in late March with co-host Te Rauhiringa Brown.
Lumo have been elevating the message with an extensive outdoor campaign throughout the country whilst Sports NZ’s Push Play events will provide opportunities for visitors to jump without judgment in a series of free events.
Importantly, Water Safety New Zealand is firmly on board promoting ‘Be Manu Safe’ messages. The event provides an opportunity to reach a tricky youth demographic overrepresented in drowning statistics. Prominent water safety advocate Rob Hewitt is involved as an ambassador.
Competitors over the next two weekends are seeking a spot in the Grand Final where they will meet finalists from the regions on March 9.
Communications consultancy These Guys I Know has provided communications support to build awareness and engagement for this incredible event.
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