With summer fast-approaching, Kiwis at lakes, rivers, harbours and beaches across the country will be engaging in a classic, time-honoured tradition for another year — the manu.
The act of flinging oneself off a bridge, cliff or wharf to make as big a splash as possible has entrenched itself as an essential part of summer in Aotearoa.
In January, the world's best manu divers will assemble at Wellington's waterfront to kick off the Manu World Championships — and this year, a new technology will be introduced to make for better competition.
Dubbed "ManuTech", the system was developed by AUT human performance professor Patria Hume and two students over six months.
Hume told 1News that as each diver completes their jump, photos will be sent through the system measuring the exact height and width of each splash to determine its volume. For the grand final, ManuTech will measure the sound, or "pop", each jumper makes.
"It allows us to measure the splash characteristics within 15 seconds," she said.
"That computer is linked to a switching device which goes to a large screen so people can see their scores after about 30 seconds."
The system also takes a competitor's body mass into account and gives scores based on what category they are in.
So far, the technology has been tested once, with another coming soon, and it worked "perfectly".
"We're very confident in the system," she said.
"Preparation is really good, so everything worked really smoothly. We're very pleased with the system," Hume said.
She said the system is a massive leap forward for the sport — and is a chance for New Zealand to pioneer something completely new.
"Manu jumping is only really known in New Zealand, but given this has the potential to go worldwide, New Zealand is really leading the way."
Hume said there is "no other system, in terms of the ManuTech system, that enables people to measure wave or splash characteristic — so this is a world-first".
She is "really excited" to see it in action at the prelims in January.
"To have a technical system working accurately in such a short time is going to be fantastic."
Hume also said it was "fantastic" for AUT to be working with communities "to develop a system that can help provide world-leading competition".
Event organiser Scott Rice said the technology is a huge step towards developing the manu as a sport.
"This type of investment into technology recognises manu as a high-performance sport requiring significant skill on the side of the athlete.
"Those who attend events will be impressed by the skill required, the result of thousands of hours of practice across the country. We intend to acknowledge that hard work with an event that truly celebrates the calibre of contestants.
"We are celebrating the art of manu and embracing cutting-edge technology to elevate the competition to new heights."
The championship starts on January 27 at the Wellington Waterfront. The grand final will take place at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour on March 9.
SHARE ME