The Zespri AIMS Games is Australasia’s largest junior sporting event, held annually in Tauranga Moana.

Since its inception in 2004 - with just 760 athletes from 17 schools competing across four sporting codes - the Games have grown into a world-class celebration of youth sport. In 2025, the tournament welcomed a record-breaking 14,022 athletes from 431 schools, competing across 27 codes. For the second consecutive year, participation numbers exceeded those of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - an extraordinary milestone for a locally delivered event. And yet, the numbers only tell a fraction of the story.  Foremost for the 431 schools represented and 27 sporting codes played at the 2025 event  - including four sports for Athletes with Disabilities  - is the celebration of diversity, of inclusiveness and of camaraderie.  Lifelong memories are not only created but celebrated, with several new innovations taking the tournament to another level. In short, the Zespri AIMS Games provides a unique opportunity for rangatahi from a wide range of backgrounds and educational settings to come together in competition, connection, and personal growth.

The AIMS Games Trust is a strategic partnership comprising of the event’s four founding intermediate schools - Otūmoetai Intermediate, Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Tauranga Intermediate, and Te Puke Intermediate - alongside Sport Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City Council and a community representative. The Trust is further supported by Advisory Trustees from Sport New Zealand, ACC, and the New Zealand Association of Intermediate and Middle Schooling (NZAIMS), who provide expert guidance to ensure the ongoing growth and development of the Zespri AIMS Games.

National and regional sporting organisations play an integral role in the delivery of the event. Each sporting code appoints a dedicated Code Coordinator to collaborate with the Trust, ensuring that competition standards reflect best practice and are consistent with how the sport that they represent is delivered to intermediate-aged students across Aotearoa.

The non-profit Trust is deeply committed to nurturing the skills and capabilities of all participants - not only the athletes, but also the extensive network of volunteers, referees, and officials who contribute to the event’s success. The Zespri AIMS Games continues to champion grassroots sport, promoting diversity and inclusion, encouraging active participation, and providing exposure to a wide range of sporting opportunities. Through strong partnerships with local organisations and suppliers, the event also proudly showcases Tauranga Moana as a vibrant destination to live, work, play, and visit.

The 2026 Zespri AIMS Games will be held in Tauranga Moana, Saturday 5th - Friday 11th September 2026.