There is a warning out to anyone in the vicinity of Waihau Bay this Saturday: The usually tranquil waters around the jetty area will be designated a “live fire zone” for competitive arial bombing.

The Annual Bombz n Ice Cream Competition is back for 2026.

The event combines two of the favourite summer pastimes of Coastie kids – eating ice-cream and popping manus.

Last year’s competition saw some very impressive entries and some tsunami-sized splashes with bombers from all age groups signing waivers and launching themselves into the bay, all for the glory of being crowned the “ultimate bomb master”.

Bena Maangi, who co-organises Bombz n Ice Cream alongside Vanesa Mutlow and Vicki Waititi, is looking forward to another action-packed event and hopes for some sunshine to add to the inevitable splashing.

The competition will start at 9.30am and is expected to be wrapped up by 1pm-ish.

“We will have a free sausage sizzle, lolly scramble for the kids as well as spot prizes and giveaways,” Ms Maangi said.

“There will be all the same age groups as last year – under 7s, under 12s, under 17s and an adults’ section, too – and of course the ice-cream speed eating contest.

“There are a few people very keen to defend their titles from last year, so it should be a great competition.”

She said they could not stage the event without the support of their community.

“We would like to say a big thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers who make it happen on the day.”

Ms Maangi created quite a splash in last year’s competition with her signature dive earning a title in the adults’ section. When asked if she was planning a return this year, she said: “Absolutely”.