The world's largest skateboard puts Mangawhai on the map, a Hollywood heavyweight takes centre stage in the Coromandel, a couple who didn’t let a storm rain on their parade, and our pickleball team serves up success in Peru.
World’s largest skateboard
Paeroa has its huge L&P bottle, Ohakune has its colossal carrot.
And now, Mangawhai is hoping to join the ranks of famous landmarks with the world's largest skateboard.
It weighs 800kg and measures an impressive 12m in length.
The skateboard has been installed at the entrance to the Mangawhai Activity Zone.
Ken Rayward from the Mangawhai Activity Zone is hoping it will bring more tourists to the town.
"Judging by the way cars stop and take photographs of it over this last week, it’s going to become a very identifiable drawcard."
Momoa mania in the Coromandel
A small Coromandel pub is reeling after a visit from a big Hollywood star.
In between filming his new television series, Jason Momoa and his band, Oof Tatata, performed a set at the Coroglen Tavern.
Momoa addressed bar-goers before his performance.
"I was riding my Harley up here and I was really thirsty. And sure enough, an oasis appeared."
Coroglen Tavern co-owner Brent Prisk said he’s a big fan of Momoa.
"To have a Hollywood A-lister like that wanting to come and play at our little bar was fantastic, so we were all pretty excited."
Wild wedding weather
Wet weather certainly didn’t dampen this couple's wedding day spirits.
After more than a year of planning, their special day was met with torrential rain and flooding.
However, the West Coast newlyweds decided the show must go on — instead embracing the weather by capturing some incredible photos.
Bride Amber Greene said their friend drove them to the pile of dirt in his four-wheel drive.
Silver at the Pickleball World Cup
Our national pickleball team has made their mark on the global stage.
The Black Paddles Masters team took home silver at the Pickleball World Cup in Peru, with the New Zealand Opens team also outdoing themselves by making it all the way to the quarter-finals.
It's an impressive feat for the underdogs, with more than 30 countries competing from around the world.
Black Paddles Captain Will Dewhirst said he’s proud to represent New Zealand.
"The comments from other countries, as well as the US post those games, were 'man, New Zealand has something seriously going on'."
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