Gore’s Manu Reedy Shines at World Champs Qualifier in Dunedin

At the first qualifying round of the Manu World Championships held at Moana Pool in Dunedin on Sunday, local competitor Manu Reedy excelled by securing first place in two categories. This achievement propels her into the finals for both the women’s traditional “manu” dive-bomb and the “freestyle” dive-bomb sections.

Reedy expressed her excitement about the event, stating, “The atmosphere was cool as, the kids were top notch, it was awesome.” Her success is part of a broader competition that showcases talent from across New Zealand, with six finalists from Dunedin set to compete in the grand final at the Viaduct Harbour in Auckland in March 2024.

The event also featured Reedy’s sons, Herangi and Houora Rotana, along with a group of friends who participated in the Dunedin heat. Although young Houora did not place, he earned his team “manu” burgers for achieving the highest splash of the day, which reportedly hit the roof. Reedy humorously remarked, “I think he got ripped off a bit. Never mind, it happens, they were just happy to be there.”

Despite facing the challenge of competing against male participants, Reedy remained undeterred. She noted the intensity of the competition, particularly after witnessing the dive-bombers’ impacts on the water. “I don’t know how some of the men made it out of the pool, after their back-slaps and leg-slaps and butt-slaps. Oh, my goodness,” she added.

This year’s Manu World Championships marks the first time Dunedin has hosted such an event. Competition founder Scott Rice highlighted the initiative to reach all corners of New Zealand. Organiser Komene Cassidy played a significant role in establishing the Dunedin stop, contributing to the event’s growth and accessibility.

The enthusiasm surrounding the Manu Championships reflects a vibrant community spirit, as competitors and their families come together to celebrate a unique cultural tradition. As the finals approach, all eyes will be on the talented participants from Dunedin, including Reedy, who aims to make her mark on the national stage.