The efforts of a dedicated group of skaters who had driven all the way from Kaitaia to take part in the Hoki Sk8 2014 competition last month helped convince organisers not to pull the plug on the event because of rain.
The decision eventually proved the right one for the 200-plus competitors who came from as far away as Napier and Auckland to take part in the second running of the now annual event at the Opononi Skatepark on the Saturday of Easter weekend, noted event organiser Jeremy Mitt.
"At 11am the park was wet, skateboards, scooters, and BMXs were sliding and skidding all over the place and it looked like we would have to cancel, but when a carload of kids arrived all the way from Kaitaia [which Mitt noted was thanks to a promo in the Age the week beforehand] we decided to persevere with the poor conditions! By 1pm the sun was shining and the park was alive with adrenaline."
One highlight for the competitors was getting to skate alongside former Shortland Street star villain, Doctor Josh, Mitt said. He noted actor Chris Tempest had originally lived in Omapere when he first moved to New Zealand from the UK in 2002, and attended the competition as a guest performer and judge.
Tempest ended up very nearly managing to overthrow stiff competition for the title of men's open champion but with much hooting and cheering, local hero and Opononi Area School head boy Johnti 'Weka Boy' Wright eventually overcame the Auckland-based actor "when he stomped an incredible Treyflip down the steps which had the crowd erupting in applause!"
Other highlights saw the under-15 section heavily contended with 2013 winner Rangi Koni Simmeon eventually sharing 1st place on the podium with this year's Most Improved Skater, Phillip Bruce, both walking away with new skateboard decks and other prizes; while 8-year-old Kane from Kaitaia turned up ready to show the under-10s how they do it up in the Far North, winning the scooter section by landing huge tail whips and grinds out of the pipe.
Mitt described the event as an out-and-out success which was only possible through the support of the local community and the efforts of a number of people behind the scenes.
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The competition and project really highlights the ability of a positive connected community working together
, without the generous people who gave of their time and resources to make it happen we would go nowhere!"
Mitt gave special thanks to various companies for their generous donations this year and also the many other helpers who gave up time to help, organise and coordinate the event. Also acknowledged were those who contributed time, resources and efforts towards the skatepark's $2000 upgrade earlier this year. Among those singled out for praise for their "awesome mahi" were the KINGSFIRE youth group who fundraised for the project and organised it from start to finish, along with Garth Walker and Merv Bryers for their dedication in getting 3 cubic metres of concrete delivered, carpentry tutor David Gauge, Rahu Mitt, Gilbert Ford and all the local youth involved with the project
To conclude, Mitt left the last word to Piripi Rawiri, well known local surfing identity, who was highly impressed with the standard of this year's competition.
"The place is looking awesome and it's great to see the sport growing!"