Top NZ skateboard riders put on exciting displays at the 2025 National Skateboarding Championships last weekend, with organisers saying they’re looking forward to returning to Tauranga next year.

Over 130 skateboarders competed across the street, park and vert disciplines on March 28 and 29 with $13,500 in prize money awarded.

The Cariuma Park Competition and The Good Room Street Competition were held at the Destination Skatepark, and the Red Bull Vert Competition at the Blake Park Vert ramp.

 Grace Hepburn, 11, from Auckland celebrating nailing a trick during the Good Room Street Competition Finals. Photo: Pablo Rios

“We had skateboarders come from Whangārei in the north to Dunedin in the south, with just under 20 per cent of competitors local to Tauranga, and over 80 per cent travelling from other parts of Aotearoa – highlighting event’s national appeal,” Skateboarding New Zealand chair Sonia Griffin said.

Griffin said the youngest competitors were eight years old and the oldest was 54 years old, with 62.5 per cent of the competitors aged under 16.

Tauranga rider, Anthony McLeod during the Red Bull Vert Competition at the 2025 National Skateboarding Championships at Mount Maunganui. Photo: Pablo Rios.

The organisers said there was “some great skateboarding all round”. Local riders who made the podium were Shaun Boucher, who was first in Open Men’s Street and Park events; Bodhi Cavell who came third in the Open Men’s Vert; Summer Holmes who won second place in Park U13 Girls; and Bells Garas who came third in Park U13 Girls.

Spectators also came out in droves to watch the competition, with over 250 people during the busiest time on Friday night, and 480 spectators counted at the peak time on Saturday afternoon.

“Spectators were super respectful, stoked, and supportive, with loads of families in the crowd. Great energy across both days,” said Griffin.

Dante Temara, 14, from Rotorua hitting the rail during the Good Room Street Competition Finals of the 2025 National Skateboarding Championships at Mount Maunganui. Photo: Pablo Rios.

She said there was a “great vibe all round” and everyone brought “good energy”.

“No incidents, just community spirit, progression, and fun.”

Hosting the national competition in Tauranga was also expected to be a boost to the local economy.

“Based on competitor numbers, and the percentage of under-16s who had family in tow, and an average of two to three nights’ stay, we estimate $60,000-$80,000-plus in direct accommodation spend for the Tauranga economy - not including crew or spectators,” said Griffin.

The crowd watching the 2025 National Skateboarding Championships at Destination Skatepark, Mount Maunganui. Photo: Pablo Rios

She said the quality of the park was a huge factor in the event’s success.

“The Mount Maunganui Destination Skatepark delivered on every level – allowed skaters of all ages and abilities to showcase their riders. [There were] Many comments from our community that it is one of the best competition parks in Aotearoa,” Griffin said.

Tauranga City Council supported the Skateboard Nationals alongside the competition’s other major sponsor, TECT.

“Hosting the 2025 Skateboard Nationals in Tauranga for the first time has been an incredible success,” said Tauranga City Council Venues & Events Manager Nelita Byrne.

“It was fantastic to see Destination Skatepark buzzing with top skateboarders from across New Zealand, alongside our talented local skaters, and an enthusiastic crowd cheering them on.

“The energy and excitement over Friday and Saturday showcased why Tauranga is the perfect place for national sporting events.”

Tauranga rider, Bodhi Cavell, 16, during the Red Bull Men's Vert Competition. Bodhi podiumed with a third place. Photo: Pablo Rios

The council also highlighted that national skateboarding competitions help nurture emerging talent in New Zealand, providing pathways to higher-level competition, particularly with skateboarding’s inclusion in the Olympics.

“[We are] stoked on the local community support, from sponsorship to spectator turnout,” Griffin said. “We’re looking to return in 2026.”

 Grace Hepburn, 11, from Auckland on a 50-50 in the Cariuma Park U13 Girls Competition. Photo: Pablo Rios

Results:

The Cariuma Park Competition

Under 13 Girls
1st - Grace Hepburn
2nd - Summer Holmes
3rd - Bells Garas

Under 13 Boys
1st - Freddie Baker
2nd - Gabriel Temara
3rd - Rico Falconer

Open Women (Sponsored by SEQUAL)
1st - Yeva Butler
2nd - Melu Blackburn
3rd - Scarlett Gray

Open Men
1st - Shaun Boucher
2nd - Ary Teruel Crowe
3rd - Sage Freeman

The Goodroom Street Competition

Under 13 Girls
1st - Brydee Dixon
2nd - MeiLong Chen-Hogan
3rd - Taimi Storbeck

Under 13 Boys
1st - Gabriel Temara
2nd - Scout Stiles
3rd - Rico Falconer

Open Women (Sponsored by SEQUAL)
1st - Jessica Ready
2nd - Grace Hepburn
3rd - Millie Dunn

Open Men
1st - Shaun Boucher
2nd - Javahn Anaru Roberts
3rd - Dante Temara

The Red Bull Vert Competition

Open Women (Sponsored by SEQUAL)
1st - Yeva Butler
2nd - Melu Blackburn
3rd - Scarlett Gray

Open Men
1st - Leigh McKenzie
2nd - Felix Griffin
3rd - Bodhi Cavell