Skateboarding Nationals bring talent and tricks back to Tauranga

The Skateboarding National Championships will be held in Mount Maunganui at the Destination Skatepark and Blake Park. Photo / Tauranga City Council

Skateboarding talent from across Aotearoa will descend on Mount Maunganui this month, as the 2026 Skateboard Nationals return to Tauranga for a second consecutive year.

Presented by Skateboarding New Zealand and Tauranga City Council, the free two‑day event will bring the country’s top park and vert riders together at the world‑class Destination Skatepark and Blake Park Vert Ramp.

Spectators can expect high‑energy action from some of New Zealand’s best athletes — including international representatives Zedyn Fellows and Cayden “CJ” Hawker, rising local star Rico Falconer, and seasoned competitor Shaun Boucher — as they battle it out for national titles in one of the nation’s most advanced skate facilities.

“National skateboarding competitions represent the pinnacle of competitive skateboarding in Aotearoa, help grow the sport and provide emerging talent with a pathway to higher-level competition, including the 2028 Olympic Games,” Skateboarding New Zealand co-chairperson Sophee Hill said.

“Tauranga’s investment in skate facilities means that our local skaters can train and compete on their home turf.”

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said having a world-class venue like the Destination Skatepark in central Mount Maunganui is a huge asset to the city.

“Not only does it allow Tauranga to host awesome events like the Skateboard Nationals, it attracts locals and visitors, contributes to our local economy, and supports young people to stay active, build confidence, be inspired and connect through sport.”

The skatepark, which opened in 2024, is one of New Zealand’s most advanced skate facilities and has quickly become a hub for the country’s skate community.

The purpose-built facility features a variety of terrain, including a flow bowl, surf-style skate ditch, competition-style street plaza and innovative skateable sculptures designed to challenge riders of all levels.

Event details

Event: Skateboarding NZ (SBNZ) 2026 National Championships – Park & Vert

Where: Mount Maunganui Destination Skatepark and Blake Park Vert Ramp

When: Saturday March 28 (rain day: Sunday March 29)

Divisions: 12 & Under Boys and Girls (Park); Open Men and Women (Park & Vert); Open Best Trick (Vert)