The Wānaka star soared to victory in the Australia New Zealand Cup snowboard halfpipe at Cardrona’s 22-foot Olympic pipe on Monday.
Melville Ives, 18, claimed victory with a score of 89.33.
His run featured a cab double cork 1080, alley-oop backside rodeo 540, and a backside 900, finishing with a frontside 720 nose grab.
The judges were particularly impressed by the difficulty of his cab double cork 1080 and the progression shown in his alley-oop backside rodeo.
They also praised the variety and execution throughout his run.
"The highlight of my day was just getting to ride the pipe again," Melville Ives said.
"It’s been so long since New Zealand has had a halfpipe, so it’s awesome to have one in my home country again."
With only two hours of training this season, Melville Ives was thrilled to put down a winning run.
Japanese snowboarder Haku Shimasaki finished second and Kade Martin (USA) third.
Sara Shimizu (Japan) claimed top spot on the podium in the women’s event with a progressive and well-executed run.
Shimizu’s performance, highlighted by a haakon 720 into a frontside 900, impressed the judges. They commended her variety, clean grabs, strong amplitude, and overall ability to meet most of the judging criteria.
"I felt really good once I started competing today," Shimizu said.
"I am really happy to be in New Zealand."
Joining Shimizu on the podium were countrywoman Rise Kudou and third-placed Giada Brienza (USA).
Head judge Gareth Vogan said it was "an incredible day under the sun" at the event.
"We’re thrilled that the Cardrona team was able to build the pipe in time for the event."
The next ANC event on the schedule is the freeski slopestyle on September 4-5.
• The FIS Australia New Zealand Cup giant slalom race scheduled to be held on The Hurdle at Coronet Peak yesterday was postponed.
Due to soft snow conditions, the jury made the decision not to race as the priority had to be the safety of the athletes.
Giant slalom races are now scheduled to be held today and tomorrow.
