Celebrated Chef Peter Gordon Takes the Plunge at Z Manu World Champs

Internationally acclaimed chef Peter Gordon (ONZM) will swap the kitchen for the water this
weekend when he competes in the Z Manu World Champs Grand Final on Auckland’s
waterfront in New Zealand.
Best known as a pioneer of fusion cuisine and founder of iconic restaurants including The Sugar
Club and London’s renowned The Providores and Tapa Room, Gordon will take part in the
event’s Famous Faces division, where celebrities attempt New Zealand’s iconic splash dive -
the Manu in the interest of water safety. Each jump will raise funds to help New Zealand kids
access water safety lessons.
A Manu is the classic Kiwi V-shaped dive bomb, where competitors fold their bodies in a sharp
V before hitting the water feet-first, creating the biggest possible splash. The spectacular dive is
a beloved summer tradition across New Zealand, from backyard pools to harbour wharves. The
Z Manu World Champs has attracted more than 2000 participants across Australia and New
Zealand - competing to secure their place in the Grand Final.
Aside from the prizes, being crowned a Manu champion carries something even more
important: mana and glory, respect and bragging rights. Mastering the perfect splash is a unique
and celebrated part of Kiwi culture.
The competition, which has run throughout the summer across New Zealand and Australia,
culminates in a Grand Final at Karanga Plaza, where a custom-built seven-metre x nineteen
metre platform transforms the waterfront into a spectacular Manu arena.
The event is being held as part of Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival - a month-
long celebration of the ocean that highlights the culture, sport, food and stories connected to the
sea.
For Gordon, the setting is particularly personal. “I live in Wynyard Quarter, right here in central
Auckland where the event is being held,” he says. “So I’ve watched the Manu Champs with
interest and joy over the years, so it’s pretty special to now be taking part.”
The chef says he’s a regular in the neighbourhood and enjoys the unique connection
Aucklanders have with the water and harbour. “I walk my dogs around here most days and
often watch people enjoying swimming in the water, right at the steps next to Park Hyatt
Auckland,” he says.
“We’re incredibly lucky to have this facility and this beautiful waterfront right in the middle of the
city.”

Auckland, Tāmaki Makaurau is New Zealand’s largest city and sits between two harbours.
“Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is the largest city in the country, and it’s on the most beautiful
harbour,” Gordon says.
For visiting food lovers, Gordon says the harbour environment that hosts the Manu Champs is
also central to the region’s cuisine. “We’re surrounded by water, which means we have access
to some of the best seafood in the world.”
A Manu is a traditional way of celebrating the water that we are surrounded by in Aotearoa. Of
his own manu ambitions, Gordon says “I am just pleased to be taking part and having fun
alongside New Zealanders from all walks of life. I can’t promise my Manu will be a great
demonstration of technique - but the spirit is certainly there!”
Peter Gordon will compete in the Famous Faces division alongside actor Bruce Hopkins and
world champion boxer Lani Daniels, former All Black Piri Weepu and Lord of the Rings actor
Bruce Hopkins with each attempting to master the perfect splash.
35 finalists compete across youth, adult and freestyle divisions, launching themselves from the
towering platform in pursuit of Manu glory.
For Gordon, though, the experience is as much about place as it is competition.
“There aren’t many cities in the world where you can watch something like this happening right
outside some of the best restaurants in the country,” he says. “It’s a wonderful celebration of
Auckland’s harbour culture.”
The Z Manu World Champs Grand Final is being held as part of Moana Auckland - New
Zealand’s ocean festival. Find out more at manuworldchamps.com