This year’s tournament is another record-breaker, with athletes from 467 schools across New Zealand, including schools travelling from Australia, the Cook Islands and Fiji, competing across Tauranga and the Western Bay over seven days. The Games will bring energy, excitement and significant economic benefits to the region.
Spanning 27 sporting codes from golf, football, netball, rugby, and hockey through to newer additions including orienteering and surfing, the tournament is often the highlight of the year for participating Year 7 and 8 students.
Tournament Director Kelly Schischka says months of planning are coming together, with schools preparing to arrive in Tauranga next week.
“We’ve been hearing a lot about the amazing efforts schools and athletes are making to get here and we can feel a palpable excitement building. Each year, we’ve been able to add more to our programme and build the experience around our sporting codes, and this year is shaping as the best yet.”
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale says the homegrown event, now in its 22nd year, continues to showcase the very best of the city.
“It’s fantastic to be welcoming a record number of competitors this year who, along with their whānau and supporters, will get to experience everything that makes the Zespri AIMS Games and our city so special,” says Mayor Mahé Drysdale.
“We’re incredibly proud to host the Zespri AIMS Games here in Tauranga. For more than two decades, the event has delivered benefits well beyond the sporting arena, bringing people together, creating a real buzz across our city, supporting the local economy, and leaving a positive legacy for both participants and our wider community.
“I hope every athlete embraces the week, enjoys the experience and creates positive memories they’ll carry with them long after the games are over.”
The Zespri AIMS Games return significant benefits for Tauranga. In 2025, the event welcomed more than 23,000 visitors, generated more than 87,000 visitor nights and contributed $9.75 million in visitor spending, resulting in a net economic benefit of $5.8 million for the city.
Alongside the sporting action, Tauranga City Council’s Give Back Games programme returns, encouraging athletes to connect, give back and make the most of their time in Tauranga. Athletes can get involved in activities, including native tree planting at Gordon Carmichael Reserve in Bethlehem and a coastal clean-up at Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve in Mount Maunganui. An outdoor movie night will give athletes the chance to unwind, while leftover food from their stay can be donated to Good Neighbour at the end of the week.
To help athletes, whānau and supporters get around during tournament week, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council will provide free bus services, including Park and Ride for both Opening Ceremonies at Mercury Baypark. Free Loop Buses will also operate Monday to Friday, connecting key venues across Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa. Open to everyone, the service makes it easy to travel between venues and explore the city.
Councillor Ken Shirley, Chair of the Regional Transport Committee at the Regional Council says the free buses between key venues will help make travel easier for visitors and reduce congestion around the city.
“We’re proud to support Zespri AIMS Games by helping thousands of young athletes, their supporters, and local residents travel safely and efficiently around the city during the week. It’s an easy and convenient way to get around, and one less thing for athletes and families to think about.”
The free Loop Bus service makes it easy to travel between venues during the Zespri AIMS Games.
Kelly Schischka says the popular Under Lights events at Blake Park gives the wider community a chance to be part of the tournament.
"Our Under Lights series will showcase hockey, netball and the Rip Rugby finals on three successive nights from Tuesday-Thursday, with roving entertainers, face painting, lawn games, food vendors, a photo booth and the Zespri AIMS Games merchandise pop-up shop. The tournament already provides a lasting and rewarding experience for so many of our athletes and these extra touches are designed to create incredible memories for the supporters and whānau too."
Event information:
- The 2026 Zespri AIMS Games will run from Saturday, 5 September to Friday, 11 September, with events taking place across Tauranga, Omokoroa, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Te Puke.
- Roads around key venues are expected to be busier than usual, particularly before and after school, during peak travel times and around event start and finish times.
- Please plan ahead for travel during Zespri AIMS Games week to allow extra time.
- Take care around busy venues, pedestrian crossings and areas with higher numbers of children and supporters.
- Make use of the free Zespri AIMS Games bus services where possible. For information on the free Loop Bus service www.nzaimsgames.co.nz/buses
Hip Hop Finals (ticketed event)
Date: Saturday, 5 September 2026
Time: 4pm – 9pm
Venue: Mercury Baypark Arena
Get tickets here.
Hockey Under Lights
Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Time: 4pm – 8pm
Venue: Tauranga Hockey Centre, Blake Park
Netball Under Lights
Date: Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Time: 3:30pm – 7:30pm
Venue: Tauranga Netball Centre, Blake Park
Rip Rugby Finals Under Lights
Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026
Time: 4pm – 8pm
Venue: Bay Oval
More information on the Zespri AIMS Games