Tauranga is preparing for a major influx of young athletes, families and supporters as the 2026 Zespri AIMS Gamesreturns from 5 to 11 September.
A record 14,506 athletes from 467 schools will compete across 27 sporting codes, with participants travelling from around New Zealand as well as Australia, the Cook Islands and Fiji.
The tournament, now in its 22nd year, will be spread across Tauranga, Ōmokoroa, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Te Puke.
2026 Zespri AIMS Games at a glance
| Category | 2026 Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | 5 to 11 September 2026 |
| Athletes | 14,506 |
| Schools | 467 |
| Sporting codes | 27 |
| Age group | Year 7 and 8 students |
| Main locations | Tauranga, Ōmokoroa, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa, Te Puke |
| International participation | Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji |
| Tournament age | 22nd year |
The event includes established school sports such as football, netball, hockey, gymnastics and golf, alongside BMX, surfing, orienteering and Rip Rugby.
Tournament Director Kelly Schischka said excitement was building as schools prepared to arrive in Tauranga.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Big economic impact for Tauranga
The Zespri AIMS Games is not just a sporting event. It is also a significant contributor to the local economy.
In 2025, the tournament brought more than 23,000 visitors to Tauranga and generated more than 87,000 visitor nights.
| 2025 Economic Impact | Result |
|---|---|
| Visitors | More than 23,000 |
| Visitor nights | More than 87,000 |
| Visitor spending | $9.75 million |
| Net economic benefit | $5.8 million |
With athlete numbers reaching another record this year, local accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators are expected to benefit again.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the event had become an important part 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,” he said.
He said the benefits extended beyond sport, helping bring people together, supporting businesses and creating long-term memories for participants.
Free buses to reduce congestion
Transport will be a major focus 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 from Monday to Friday, connecting key venues in Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.
| Transport Support | Details |
|---|---|
| Park and Ride | Available for both Opening Ceremonies |
| Free Loop Bus | Monday to Friday |
| Main areas connected | Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa |
| Who can use it | Everyone |
| Main purpose | Reduce congestion and simplify travel |
Councillor Ken Shirley, Chair of the Regional Transport Committee, said the buses would help visitors and local residents move around the city more easily.
“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,” he said.
Key public events
Several major events will run during the tournament.
| Event | Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Hop Finals | Saturday, 5 September | 4pm to 9pm | Mercury Baypark Arena |
| Hockey Under Lights | Tuesday, 8 September | 4pm to 8pm | Tauranga Hockey Centre, Blake Park |
| Netball Under Lights | Wednesday, 9 September | 3.30pm to 7.30pm | Tauranga Netball Centre, Blake Park |
| Rip Rugby Finals Under Lights | Thursday, 10 September | 4pm to 8pm | Bay Oval |
The Under Lights series will also feature entertainment, face painting, lawn games, food vendors, a photo booth and a tournament merchandise shop.
Schischka said the aim was to create an experience for families and supporters as well as athletes.
Give Back Games returns
The tournament’s community programme will also return.
The Give Back Games encourages young athletes to contribute to Tauranga during their stay.
Activities include:
- native tree planting at Gordon Carmichael Reserve in Bethlehem
- a coastal clean-up at Hopukiore, Mount Drury Reserve
- an outdoor movie night
- donation of leftover food to Good Neighbour
The programme gives participants a chance to engage with the city beyond competition.
Roads expected to be busier
Tauranga City Council is warning motorists to expect heavier traffic around sporting venues during the week.
The busiest periods are likely to be:
- before and after school
- during peak commuting times
- immediately before and after major events
Drivers are being asked to allow extra time and take care around pedestrian crossings and areas with large numbers of young people.
Visitors are encouraged to use the free bus network where possible.
Why the event matters
For many Year 7 and 8 students, the Zespri AIMS Games is one of the biggest sporting experiences of their school years.
For Tauranga, it is also one of the city’s major annual events, bringing together sport, tourism, community activity and local spending.
With 14,506 athletes and 467 schools involved, the 2026 tournament is shaping up to be the largest edition yet.