From The Mag / People

Jess Lord is Good As

Auckland-based skateboarder Jess Lord on rituals, skating with your eyes closed and Drew Barrymore.

Photography by Connor Hill

Posted 17 Sep 2023

From The Mag / My Favourite Thing

Pedro Day Cover

Jamie Cook’s ‘My Favourite Thing’ from Manual, issue 70. A gem from 2004 featuring one of H-Town’s favourite sons, Pedro Day.

Text by Jamie Cook, photograph by Dave Chami

Posted 14 Sep 2023

From The Mag / Feature

Everything Is Skateable

Sam Palmer (alongside many others) paved the way for spaces like Wellington’s Newtown Ghetto Spot and Berhampore’s Treetops. Hopefully, his words inspire you to pick up a trowel for the first time or double down on your DIY conviction.

Text and Interview by David Read

Posted 22 Aug 2023

Exclusive / Aotearoa New Zealand

Theo Clarke — “Airways”

His T-shirts might be size medium, but his skating is X-Large. Another hearty scoop of Ted clips from the recent months and his stateside travels.

by David Read

Posted 19 Jul 2023

Video / Aotearoa New Zealand

Deco Skateboards “Paradise”

Exploring Paradise with Chase Collins, Mat Vickery, Chris Skelton, Matt Ferg, Kyle Svensen, Sam Allen and friends.

by David Read

Posted 01 Jul 2023

From The Mag / People

Turning Point — Zedyn Fellows Interview

Backyard training facilities, back-to-back 540s and chasing the Olympic dream. Life is never dull for Wānaka’s Zedyn Fellows.

Interview and photography by Beach Thurlow

Posted 30 Jun 2023

Video / Define

Dan Gemmell — New Morning (2011)

This Gemmell bro-duced video captures the pure essence of Danʻs on-board style and creativity, along with a solid dose of Gemmell good vibes. Another defining moment for New Zealand skateboarding.

by David Read

Posted 13 Jun 2023

Exclusive / Event Coverage

Duckbrewe 3 — Wrap-Up, Photos and Results

Nestled amongst the scenic backdrop of a quiet North Canterbury valley comes one of New Zealand’s biggest skateboarding events of the year.

Words by Jack Richardson, photography by Natasha Grego

Posted 12 Jun 2023

Exclusive / Aotearoa New Zealand

Tekau — A New Book By DEF Mfg Co.

Tekau explores 10 Years of Aotearoa New Zealand Skateboarding and Streetwear through the eyes of DEF Mfg Co.

Interview by Darren Howman, Images courtesy of DEF Mfg Co.

Posted 06 Jun 2023

Exclusive / Photo Gallery

Almost Lost Manual Pad Jam Photos

Saved from the lonely depths of my Lightroom catalogue — here are the photos of the Manual Pad Jam at Waitangi Park as part of Bowlzilla 2022.

Photography by David Read

Posted 31 May 2023

From The Mag / Rant

Lee Ralph’s First Wall Grind

Morgan Campbell plays “Private Investiskater” to find the truth behind Lee Ralph’s infamous first wall grind.

Text by Morgan Campbell, illustration by Andrés Jensen

Posted 26 May 2023

Exclusive / New Zealand Music

George VILLA debut “Running Free”

Hamilton-raised George VILLA arrives with his debut single “Running Free.”

by David Read

Posted 09 May 2023

Exclusive / Event Video

The Goodroom Presents “Benchorama”

The Goodroom lit up Tauranga’s Memorial Park with the Benchorama Skate Jam on April 1st. The benches are no joke!

by Manual Magazine

Posted 08 May 2023

From The Mag / Music

BKATIT — No Comply Interview

I’ve been lucky enough to call myself No Comply’s DJ for the last four years, but I am even more fortunate to call them two of my best friends. I spoke with Fynn and Ethan Blackwood about their approach and their new EP that’s out this month.

Interview by Kyle Svensen, 
photograph by Harry Kidman

Posted 02 May 2023

From The Mag / Tour Video

Pavement Presents “Bogan Voyage”

Southland could be the most untouched region of Aotearoa. It could also be the roughest and most weathered grounds. Pavement Store sends the team deep into the unknown pastures south of Otago.

by Beach Thurlow

Posted 30 Apr 2023

From The Mag / Observe

Viewpoint: Garth’s Pool

Garth Urquhart hosts a who’s who session at his skateable backyard pool.

Text and photography by David Read

Posted 16 Apr 2023

From The Mag / People

Pauly Kauri Top Fives

Mildly nomadic and perpetually positive, Pauly Kauri drops his Top Fives from Ashburton.

Photography by David Read

Posted 07 Mar 2023

From The Mag / People

Gala Baumfield Interview

Family and friends are a massive part of skateboarding culture for Gala. She is passionate about the well-being of her community and the diverse and thriving connections within it. Stepping on a board at age one to advocating for youth, she is on a roll.

Text and photography by David Read

Posted 28 Feb 2023

Exclusive / Event Coverage

2023 Bowlzilla Wellington Wrap-up — Photo Gallery and Results

This year’s National Bowl Skating Championships, BOWLZILLA Wellington—which was presented by Monster Energy—turned it on this year. After the last few years of weather and lockdowns, it was the celebration everyone wanted and needed.

by Manual Magazine

Posted 27 Feb 2023

Exclusive / Event Coverage

2023 Mangawhai Bowl Bash — Photo Gallery

Mangawahi was a wild one this year. The grommets were hungrier than ever. The women were stepping up. The masters kept the fire lit. And the men’s division featured a wild assortment of styles and trick selections. The photos tell the story.

by Manual Magazine

Posted 07 Feb 2023