Tauranga is set to host the Skateboard Nationals, New Zealand’s premier skateboarding event, for the first time in March 2025. The event will feature some of the country’s top skateboarders competing at the newly opened Destination Skatepark.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale highlighted the significance of the event for the city, noting that it offers a great opportunity to showcase Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty region.
“This is a major event for New Zealand’s skateboarding community, bringing benefits to the region while inspiring the next generation of local skateboarders,” said Mayor Drysdale. “Hosting events like this helps attract thousands of visitors, allowing us to highlight all that Tauranga has to offer.”
Tauranga’s Deputy Mayor and Mauao/Mount Maunganui Ward Councillor, Jen Scoular, emphasized the city’s excellent skateboarding facilities, including the new Destination Skatepark and the revamped vert ramp at Blake Park.
“We’re thrilled to host the country’s top skateboarders in the heart of Mount Maunganui. Since the opening of Destination Skatepark earlier this year, the facility has been buzzing with activity,” Scoular said. “It’s a world-class park that’s drawing people from all over the country—whether they’re seasoned pros or new to skateboarding. We’re looking forward to hosting more events like this in the future.”
The Skateboard Nationals is one of the most anticipated events on the New Zealand skateboarding calendar. It will feature competitions in three disciplines—park, street, and vert skateboarding—attracting over 100 competitors across various age groups.
“It’s the highlight of the skateboarding season,” said Sonia Griffin, Board Chair of Skateboarding New Zealand. “The Skateboard Nationals unite the skateboarding community, and next year we’ll introduce an Under 13 division, providing more opportunities for young skaters to get involved and showcase their talent.”
Griffin attributes the sport’s growing popularity to its inclusion in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the ongoing investment in skateboarding facilities.
“The rise of skateboarding has been fueled by increased support from both local and central government, as well as the development of skate parks like those in Mount Maunganui. These spaces play a vital role in promoting skateboarding as a positive youth activity and supporting the growth of the sport in New Zealand,” Griffin said.
“Having top-tier facilities, such as the Destination Skatepark, is essential for fostering international competition and encouraging a more active lifestyle in Aotearoa. The skatepark is one of the most innovative in the country, offering versatile features that appeal to skaters of all styles.”
The creation of Destination Skatepark was a collaborative effort, with funding from key organizations including TECT, the New Zealand Community Trust, the Lottery Community Facilities Fund, Grassroots Trust, The Lion Foundation, and Project Tauranga. These partners are also supporting the Skateboard Nationals.
Mark Arundel, Chairperson of TECT, believes hosting the Skateboard Nationals will provide a significant boost to Tauranga’s local economy.
“The event will drive local spending in accommodation, dining, and activities, while showcasing our exceptional skatepark and inspiring young skaters to pursue opportunities at the national and even international level, such as the Olympics,” said Arundel.
“Destination Skatepark is always busy, attracting people of all ages and abilities. It promotes outdoor activity, builds confidence, and fosters a strong skateboarding community in the Bay of Plenty.”
Previously held in Gisborne, the 2025 Skateboard Nationals will take place on March 28-29. The event is expected to draw hundreds of competitors, supporters, and skate enthusiasts to the region, further cementing Tauranga as a hub for skateboarding in New Zealand.
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