Celebrities confirmed for Z Manu Grand Final at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour

The famous faces division is being held in aid of Water Safety New Zealand, with donations from each celeb matched to their splash height.

Piri Weepu will feature in the famous faces division of the Z Manu World Champs this year. Photo / Zach Quin

The final round of qualifiers for a spot in the Grand Final takes place this weekend on Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, with the full field of 135 finalists across all divisions to be set at the end of this weekend.

The final will be in the same location on March 14, with more than $40,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell unofficially took part in the world champs last year. Photo / Zach Quin

Event director Scott Rice said more than 2000 people have taken part in the competition so far from across New Zealand and Australia.

“The Manu is a great Kiwi pastime that brings together so many parts of the community – celebrities, kids, grandparents, professional athletes and first-time wildcards,” Rice said.

Mark Mitchell will step up to take part officially in this year’s Z Manu World Champs famous faces division. Photo / Zach Quin

“That’s what it’s all about. We’re looking forward to a great day on the water, fittingly as part of Moana Auckland – New Zealand’s Ocean Festival.”

Last year’s adult male winner Maara Toa is back to defend his title. Photo / Zach Quin

Last year’s adult male winner, Maara Toa, took part in last weekend’s super qualifier in Auckland and will return to the Grand Final to defend his title.

The Northlander practised manu dive bombs for six days to deliver record-breaking splash heights of over 10 metres and was awarded perfect-10 scores in the 2025 edition.