“It was great to see new talent coming through – including a few athletes who improved on their ranking from last year – and it was really positive to work again with the Hastings District Council to bring this event to life”.
Mayor Wendy Schollum said the day captured the spirit of a Hastings summer.
“Saturday’s Manu Champs highlighted everything our community loves about our wonderful summers: great weather, great energy, and a community that turns out to support our own,” she said.
Male junior division winner Ibrahim Eyles, of Flaxmere, with manu judge and Hastings District councillor Heather Te Au Skipworth (left) and Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum. Photo / Paul Taylor
One standout was Javan Pahau, who won both the Adult Manu division and the “Anything but a Manu” category. Pahau narrowly missed last year’s finals and returned after a shoulder injury kept him out of the water for months.
“I am stoked. That was my first bomb of the season, and I can’t wait to get to the Grand Final in Auckland”.
Tauranga will host the final qualifier of 2025 on Saturday before the series resumes in January, including a first-ever Gold Coast event.
Hastings 2025 results
Junior Division – Male
1st: Ibrahim Eyles
2nd: Zhyris Williams
3rd: Aunahi Watene
Youth Division – Male
1st: Huntah Heke
2nd: Issac Tuifeai
3rd: Honiana Tarau
Youth Division – Female (Manu)
1st: Jahnaya Eyles
Adults – Manu
1st: Javan Pahau
2nd: Tys Williams
3rd: Petera Kahui
Freestyle – Female
Winner: Sharn Heenan
Anything but a Manu Division – Open
1st: Javan Pahau
2nd: Isaac Tuifeia
3rd: Petera Kahui