Respect the water

Manu with Mana

Enjoying the best of our beautiful country’s rivers, lakes, beaches and pools is every New Zealanders birth right. And jumping off stuff is right up there on our must-do list!

Water Safety New Zealand is right behind the awesome work of everyone involved with the Z Manu World Champs. Whatever your style and wherever you pop your manu – stay safe and respect the water.

It’s following the simple stuff that saves lives.

Manu style - what’s critical to stay safe

Only jump in appropriate locations

Always check the environment before jumping

Don’t jump alone

Manu with Mana

What is Manu with Mana all about?

Put simply, it’s all about respect. For yourself, for others, and for the power of water.

‍Over the summer months an average of 30 New Zealanders, mostly men, lose their life through drowning. Many of the prevention steps that could save these lives are basic, and they’re simple.

"Don't half-arse safety"

Unfortunately, many people can take a half-arse approach to water safety. Or believe their abilities are higher than what they really are.

Through Manu with Mana we are emphasising basic water safety steps that can help our communities stay safe and respect the water. Following safety advice can literally saves lives.

How we make a difference

We’re shouting out to all New Zealanders jumping at beautiful manu spots anywhere around the country or having a blast at Z Manu World Champs

👋 Get to know the safety advice for Manu with Mana

‍👋 Throw up a mana wave and remember these simple messages

‍👋 Learn them, practice them, chat about them, and get everyone home safe

Manu with mana ambassador

Manu with Piri

Water Safety New Zealand is stoked to have 71-test cap All Black, loving Dad, national hero, and all-round good bugger Piri Weepu as our Manu with Mana campaign ambassador.

Staying fit is essential for any form of water-based activity, but particularly for snorkelling and diving. As we get older our abilities can change. Water Safety New Zealand encourages everyone to be mindful of their health and physical conditions. Medical events in and around water is a big deal – particularly for older males.

Watch Piri's Reflections on Water Safety

With thanks:

To the amazing work of Emily Coffey at Hamilton City Council and all the supporting team behind the original Manu with Mana campaign in summer 2023/24.

In 2023, the Waikato region saw a 61% increase in preventable drownings compared to 2022.

Recognising it was unrealistic to attempt to prevent residents from swimming in the Waikato River, the council focused on informing the community on how to use the the river safely.

The Manu with Mana campaign was developed to encourage safe, responsible behaviour in the Waikato awa.

Waipa District, Waikato District and Waikato Regional councils collaborated on the cross-regional campaign, alongside Waikato Tainui, and local manu group Splash Unit.

The campaign was funded by Water Safety New Zealand.

Manu with Mana targets rangatahi Maaori taane, with simple, no-nonsense rules for keeping safe while doing manu and jumping in Waikato rivers.

We're grateful to the creative agency kaimahi at King St for bringing Manu with Mana to life in the Waikato.

Check out the OG campaign here.‍