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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Eva Corlett in Wellington Photography Derek Morrison

Popping a manu: New Zealand’s unique water jumping obsession

A competitor adds a twist to impress judges during a Manu contest at Steamer Wharf, Dunedin, New Zealand. Photo: Derek Morrison
A competitor adds a twist to impress judges during a manu contest at Steamer Wharf, Dunedin, New Zealand. Photo: Derek Morrison Photograph: Derek Morrison

Over summer, a strange phenomenon plays out along New Zealand’s waterholes. Bridges, wharfs, cliffs and swimming pools throng with people readying to leap. Jumpers launch into the air, twist themselves into a v-shape – bums down, limbs akimbo – until they hit the surface, forcing water upwards in an almighty splash.

The bigger the splash and the more inventive the jump, the louder the cheers.

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