Auckland Pools Ban on ‘Manu’ Dive Sparks Cultural Clash Ahead of World Championships
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Restrictions at local pools are preventing young athletes from practicing a conventional Pacific dive, raising concerns about equity, access, and cultural preservation.
Parents in south Auckland are voicing frustration over restrictions on “manu” – a spectacular Pacific-style bomb dive – at local pools, hindering their children’s preparation for the upcoming Z Manu World Championships. The ban has ignited a debate about safety regulations versus the importance of preserving cultural traditions, especially within Māori and Pasifika communities.
What is Manu?
A manu is more than just a dive; it’s a culturally significant practice where the jumper tucks mid-air too create a large splash. Originating in the Pacific Islands, it has gained immense popularity among Māori and Pasifika youth in New Zealand, evolving into a competitive sport with local events serving as pathways to national and international competitions.
Community Outcry and Accessibility Concerns
The restrictions at Ōtara Pools have sparked significant backlash online and within the community. The Norman Kirk Memorial pool, like other Auckland Council pools, has long prohibited bombing, manu, and similar dives due to its shallow depth. “Those activities have not been permitted, for customer safety, since the pool opened,” explained Garth Dawson, auckland Council’s Head of Service Partner Delivery for Pools and Leisure. Designated bombing pools, he clarified, are required to be at least three meters deep, while any pool used for these activities must be at least two meters deep.
Manukau ward councillor Lotu Fuli echoed the safety concerns, emphasizing that the issue isn’t a new ban but a matter of health and safety. “It’s not deep enough.It’s a health and safety thing,” she said, warning of the potential for severe injuries, including broken necks and paralysis. Fuli noted that increased awareness of health and safety risks has led to a shift in expectations.
Dawson acknowledged that enforcement of the rules has been inconsistent in the past, prompting a review following a serious incident last summer and other prior occurrences.
Balancing Tradition with financial Realities
Parents also expressed frustration over the lack of consultation and the absence of alternative solutions, particularly in low-income communities where free local pools are vital resources. “Council needs to listen to whānau on this,” one parent urged.
Building a dedicated bombing pool, however, presents a significant financial hurdle. Councillor Fuli revealed that such a project would cost millions, while the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board is already facing a $1.5 million shortfall.
Despite these challenges, officials recognize the cultural importance of manu. dawson stated that equity and access remain central to council decision-making, and they are “exploring opportunities to develop the pools and leisure network to continue to meet the evolving needs of Aucklanders.” Fuli acknowledged the need to balance funding pressures and safety considerations with community needs, noting, “We are barely able to keep the pool entrance free right now.”
Community-Driven Solutions
Faced with limited options, community members are seeking creative solutions. An administrator of an Ōtara Facebook community page proposed organizing transportation to nearby pools, stating, “World champs schedule starts 28 February. There’s seven weeks to go. That’s seven opportunities, once a week, to get some kids out anywhere else. Anyone got a minibus to take groups regularly to 276 to practise? I’ll support with gas money.”
The situation highlights the tension between safety regulations and the preservation of community traditions,particularly for Pacific and Māori youth who view manu as a vital part of their cultural identity and sporting aspirations. As the qualifier for the Z Manu World Championships approaches at the Whangārei Aquatic Center, local families remain hopeful that their children will have a safe and accessible space to continue practicing this cherished dive, ensuring their cultural and sporting traditions thrive.
