AIMS Games


The AIMS Games , currently branded as Zespri AIMS Games, is an annual multi-sport event held in Tauranga, New Zealand. The tournament attracted 166 schools in 2012, with 2025 attracting more competitors than the 2024 Paris Olympics, with 14,022 competitors, 431 schools and 27 sporting codes, making it the biggest sporting event for children aged 11 to 13 years old in New Zealand and Australasia.

History

The event began in 2004, with the founding schools being Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Otumoetai Intermediate, Tauranga Intermediate and Te Puke Intermediate. The first game only included 4 sports—netball, football, cross country and hockey—with 17 schools and around 760 intermediate students participating.
Since then, indoor bowls were added in 2011, followed by rugby league in 2012. As of 2025, there are 27 sports for participants to compete in, with rugby league being replaced by rippa rugby.
In 2025, The Games was awarded the Best Non-Profit or Community Event at the New Zealand Event Awards.

Economics

In 2016, the event generated $3 million for the local economy. In 2019, the event returned $6.5 million. In 2024, the event made $8.78 million. This rate is expected to rise in the future.

Main sponsors

AIMS Games has been supported by many organisations throughout the years. In 2025, some of the sponsors include:
The event currently has 27 sports, which are:
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • BMX
  • Canoe racing
  • Canoe slalom
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Futsal
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Gym sport
  • Hip hop
  • Hockey
  • Indoor bowls
  • Mountain biking
  • Netball
  • Orienteering
  • Rippa rugby
  • Rock climbing
  • Rugby sevens
  • Sailing
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Table tennis
  • Tennis
  • Water polo

    Notable alumni

  • Nathan Harris, played football
  • Adam Milne, played football