Two Tauranga students have won skateboards emblazoned with their own designs after entering a competition to celebrate a skateboard collection that will be displayed in the city’s future museum.

Mount Maunganui Intermediate student Savannah Quinn, 13, and Matua School pupil Minhye Kim, 9, were among 260 children who entered the Tauranga City Council’s Design a Deck competition.

The competition was held in conjunction with the recent exhibition of skateboarding history in Tauranga Library.

Mount Maunganui Intermediate student Savannah Quinn, Tauranga Museum curator Fiona Kean and Matua School pupil Minhye Kim showing off the girls’ skateboards designs. Photo/ Bob Tulloch.

Tauranga Museum curator Fiona Kean said the competition not only served to highlight the skateboard collection that will make up part of the permanent exhibition in Tauranga Museum when it opens in 2028, but it was also an opportunity to collaborate with the community.

“It’s about locals being able to participate and to be part of something,” said Kean. “When it comes to the museum, we never want it to be a one-way conversation.”

Initially there was going to be one winner, but due to the number of entries and variety of designs, two were chosen by former pro skateboarder Georgina Matthews, who grew up in Ōtūmoetai.

“The first design reminded me of when I first began competing internationally, and how important cultural representation was for me,” said Matthews.

“I felt that the design was a beautiful reflection of our country and culture, and I loved the composition of the Tino Rangatiratanga flag, koru, and ferns contrasting. I could picture this being a cool board for a Kiwi athlete in the Olympics someday.”

Savannah was surprised her design was chosen. “I was not expecting to win. I occasionally skateboard, but I think this will probably make me want to start doing it more.”

Meanwhile, Matthews described Minhye’s design as standing out for its creative use of the entire board and its fun character.

“Last year, we learned about doodling creatures on paper without spaces and that inspired me,” said Minhye.

Matthews said her design’s vibrant colours would attract kids’ attention. “It’s definitely a board I could picture being a really popular pick in skate stores.”

Kean said the future skateboard exhibition, which is still on display until November 29, was made possible by the acquisition of the Dusty Wardell collection of surfboards that came with his vintage skateboards and memorabilia including one by pioneering Mt Maunganui company, Cahoot.

“While skateboarding goes hand-in-hand with our city’s surf culture, skateboarders are part of an increasingly diverse and inclusive community,” said Kean. “Tauranga Museum is excited to capture and share their stories.”

- SunLive