New skaters signing up with Moana Roller Derby this year will be coached by two athletes who have competed on the world stage.

Tauranga skater Jasmine Cooper (Monsterella), who represented Team New Zealand at the Roller Derby World Cup in Austria in 2025, is joining the coaching line-up for the league’s Learn to Derby programme.

Fellow national representative Roni Diamond (Diamond), also a member of last year’s World Cup squad, will continue coaching Moana’s senior players.

Chairperson Lania Lopez (Lopez) said the league was fortunate to have such high‑calibre athletes leading its training programmes.

“All of our coaches are volunteers, so we are very grateful to Monster and Diamond for sharing their knowledge and skills with us,” she said.

Lopez, one of Bay of Plenty’s original roller derby skaters, will also coach the Learn to Derby class when it begins on March 16. She and Diamond helped found Mount Militia Roller Derby, which later became Moana Roller Derby, 15 years ago. Both say they are excited to see renewed momentum in the sport.

Like many community sports, roller derby experienced a downturn following Covid‑19 disruptions. However, Moana Roller Derby reported a strong rebound last year, including five new recruits who competed in their first tournament at the end of 2025.

“We’re hoping to be even bigger this year,” Lopez said.

Learn to Derby is pitched as an introductory skating programme for beginners or returning skaters.

Participants start with skating basics before progressing into roller derby skills and game play. The course is open to anyone aged 16 and over.

“We absolutely love skating – the fitness, the fun, the friends,” Lopez said.

“We want to share this amazing sport with as many people as we can. This course will improve your skills and boost your confidence on skates.”

Learn to Derby – key details

Start date: March 16

Location: Revolution Skate Centre, Bay Park Pavilion 3, 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui

Gear up: 6.45pm

Class time: 7pm-8.30pm

Contact: moanarollerderby@gmail.com

Registration: via the league’s online form