Tauranga is once again preparing to welcome thousands of young athletes and their supporters from across Aotearoa and the Pacific for the biggest-ever Zespri AIMS Games, taking place from 30 August to 5 September 2025.

More than 14,000 athletes representing 431 schools will compete across 27 sporting codes at 33 venues across the city. The scale of the event is immense – it’s Australasia’s largest junior sporting event, with athlete numbers rivalling the Olympics.

Now in its 21st year, the tournament remains proudly rooted in Tauranga, with the majority of services and suppliers sourced locally. Delivered using existing public sport and recreation facilities, the event showcases the strength of community collaboration and the city’s capacity to host world-class events.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the city is ready to extend a warm welcome to everyone from near and far who will be attending.

“Every athlete, coach, teacher, and whānau member who comes to Tauranga is part of something truly special. We want them to feel the manaakitanga of our city – to enjoy the competition, and to leave with memories that last a lifetime,” he says.

The Zespri AIMS Games are delivered by the AIMS Games Trust – a partnership between the four-founding intermediate schools: Ōtūmoetai, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, and Te Puke, alongside Zespri, Tauranga City Council, and Sport Bay of Plenty.

Hosting the Zespri AIMS Games is a proud moment for Tauranga. It’s more than just a sporting event; it showcases our city to thousands of visitors while delivering real benefits for our community and economy.

Last year’s tournament generated $8.78 million for Tauranga’s economy. There were over 26,000 unique attendees, generating 79,201 visitor nights. Residents felt the benefits, with 91% of those surveyed saying the Games increased their pride in the city and 80% agreeing it made Tauranga a more enjoyable place to live.

The Zespri AIMS Games celebrate diversity and give young people from all backgrounds the chance to compete on a national stage. The Positive Vibes Only campaign, in partnership with Sport Bay of Plenty and Sport Waikato, will again be in full swing this year – promoting positive sideline behaviour and supporting a fun, safe experience for all.

Tournament director Kelly Schischka explains that the ongoing growth and success of the Zespri AIMS Games comes down to focusing on the athletes and their experience.

"One of the reasons the Zespri AIMS Games continues to grow and thrive is that we work incredibly hard to be relevant to our athletes – whether it’s through the new codes and formats we introduce, or by being at the cutting edge of promoting amazingly positive sideline behaviour."

"Our entire focus and kaupapa is about giving our athletes an incredibly wholesome experience – centred around competition, teamwork, camaraderie and sportsmanship – which will give them memories to last a lifetime."

Teams within Tauranga City Council have been working behind the scenes for months to ensure the city is ready to host. It’s a huge collective effort.

From preparing fields and facilities to coordinating transport, sustainability initiatives, and community partnerships – Council teams, alongside sporting clubs and local organisations, have all played their part. It takes an incredible amount of teamwork and collaboration to prepare the city for thousands of young athletes.

Mayor Drysdale says that teamwork is something to be proud of.

“Delivering an event of this magnitude is a citywide effort. The AIMS Games Trust, Council staff, local clubs, and volunteers all play an enormous role in bringing it together. I’m incredibly proud of their mahi and of the way Tauranga unites to host an event that shines a light on the talent of our rangatahi and the welcoming spirit our city is known for.”

With free public entry to most sporting events and a festival of community activities alongside the competition, residents are encouraged to come along and experience the energy, skill, and passion of New Zealand’s future sporting stars – right here in Tauranga.

Zespri AIMS Games events are open to the community:

Hip Hop Performance Events
Saturday, 30 August, 5pm – Mercury Baypark 
Watch 44 of the country’s best intermediate-aged Hip Hop crews battle it out in a high-energy showcase. Tickets are available for purchase via the Zespri AIMS Games website.

Waterfront Movie - 'Eddie the Eagle' & 'Cool Runnings' 
Tuesday, 2 September - Northern Waterfront, The Strand
Head along to the Tauranga waterfront for a sports-focused Night Owl Cinema double-header.

Netball Under Lights 
Wednesday, 3 September, 4pm – 8pm – Tauranga Netball Centre, Blake Park 
Come along to support 157 Netball teams, enjoy roving entertainers, face painting, food vendors, a What’s on Tauranga photobooth, and the Zespri AIMS Games merchandise pop-up shop.

Rip Rugby Finals Under Lights 
Thursday 4 September 2025, 4pm – 7:30pm – Bay Oval, Blake Park 
See a record-breaking 75 Rip Rugby teams compete under lights at Bay Oval International Cricket Ground, with off-field entertainment, a What’s on Tauranga photobooth, food vendors, and family activities. 
 

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