Despite heavy rain warnings initially delaying proceedings, the annual Bombz ‘N’ Ice-Cream competition exploded at Waihau Bay Wharf last Saturday.

New champions were crowned and old rivalries settled with daring aerial displays.

Competition co-organiser and runner-up from last year, Vebena Maangi, considers her absence from the leader board in the 2026 adults section may have been due to a mishap on takeoff.

But she does not begrudge Nate Bayley his win.

“It was a very cool bomb, and I made up for it in the ice-cream eating competition; I ate like a monster just to win something.”

Foreshadowed by the heavy flooding further down the coast in January, generous sponsorship of the event allowed proceeds to go towards some of the affected regions. Ms Maangi puts the success of the event down to all the local community support and sponsorship.

“Although the change of date meant we lost a few people to other commitments such as kapa haka, we still had over 100 entries in the competition this year.

“So, a huge thanks to the Bombz ‘N’ Ice-cream committee, our awesome sponsors, and all the volunteers who made the day a success.

“Your hard work and support also helped with a last-minute fundraiser for our flood-affected neighbors raising $2277.50.

“Thanks for helping make a difference. It will be split between two communities – Hicks Bay and Te Araroa.”