A Tauranga roller skating club has capped off a remarkable rise with its strongest national championships result yet.

Built through years of late nights and volunteer hours, a small community was determined to create opportunities where none existed.

That journey took Te Moana-a-Toi Roller Skating Club from a handful of skaters in Tauranga to one of New Zealand’s most successful artistic roller skating clubs.

The club recently took 19 skaters, aged 11 to 29, to the 2026 New Zealand Artistic Roller Skating National Championships and claimed eight national titles, five silver medals and nine bronze medals. Te Moana-a-Toi was also named the championships’ top-performing club for the second consecutive year.

For founder and coach Sarah Jane Johnson, the success reflected years of sacrifice and dedication.

Sophie Moore, returned to skating after more than a decade away. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

She started the club less than five years ago after moving to Tauranga and finding eager roller skaters but no club to support them.

It began with a small group as Johnson balanced coaching with raising her three young children.

As her children grew older, she expanded the club, building partnerships with skating communities in Rotorua and Whakatāne.

The balance

Today the club runs six classes, with new sessions filling quickly.

Johnson believes artistic roller skating’s appeal lies in the balance of athleticism and creativity.

“The girls love getting to skate with their friends and make little routines, and they don’t even realise they’re learning new skills and working hard.”

Sarah Johnston and Sophie Moore, reflected on the club’s journey to national podium finishes. Photo / Kelly O'Hara.

Keeping the sport affordable remains a priority, with the volunteer-run club keeping costs low for families. “I won’t accept the idea that the first level of skating for fun can’t be for everybody.”

Despite its success, the club has battled limited access to training venues.

Many athletes travel hours each week to train at venues in Rotorua and Whakatāne due to a lack of suitable facilities in Tauranga.

Cool in chaos

Johnson says those challenges have made her skaters more adaptable. “We function in such chaos. Our skaters, by the time they get to competitions, are just so ready to deal with whatever happens.”

Among them is 26-year-old Sophie Moore, who returned to the sport after stepping away as a teenager.

Joining Te Moana-a-Toi Roller Skating Club in 2024 brought her back with a single goal: qualifying for nationals.

Sophie Moore, who now helps coach beginners, skates with her niece Blossom. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

This year, she achieved it and finished on the podium. “I was just happy to be at Nationals. I didn’t care where my results were. I was more excited to be there for the experience.”

She says skating offers an escape unlike anything else. “When I’m on skates, it’s like the whole world disappears and it’s just me and my skates.”

Next generation

Moore now coaches beginner skaters alongside Johnston, helping introduce the next generation to the sport.

Leading that next generation is 13-year-old Daisy Smith, who has already collected multiple national freestyle titles.

Smith started skating six years ago after following her older sister into the sport.

She trains about 12 hours a week across five sessions.

At this year’s national championships, she won several awards, including the Junior Oscar for the best performance up to cadet level.

Smith said nothing beats mastering a new skill. “I like landing a jump for the first time.”

Her sights are now set beyond New Zealand, with the goal of the World Championships around the corner.