Record entries surge for 2026 Aims Games Tauranga

New Zealand’s largest school sporting tournament has hit new heights, with a record 14,506 entries confirmed for the 2026 Zespri Aims Games in Tauranga.

The September 5-11 event continues to grow, with a surge in individual sports driving the increase in participation across the intermediate-aged competition.

Tournament director Kelly Schischka said while overall numbers were “staggering”, the make-up of entries reflected the pressures facing many families.

“While we have 36 more schools than last year, many are sending fewer teams or athletes, which definitely feels like the nature of the times,” she said.

“We’re really feeling for all those families and communities that are struggling out there, but we’re also overjoyed they’ve continued to support us and give our athletes the chance to have one of the most incredible weeks of their lives.”

A total of 467 schools have registered for this year’s tournament, up from 431 in 2025. That includes a record 11 international schools from Australia, the Cook Islands and Fiji.

The strongest growth has come from individual events, with record-breaking fields in mountain biking, golf, rock climbing, surfing, tennis, badminton and cross country.

Mountain biking has emerged as a standout success, with 654 riders set to compete on the Summerhill tracks in the Pāpāmoa Hills – up from 487 last year.

The field includes 334 Year 8 boys, placing the sport alongside cross country, which has 778 participants, and ahead of swimming with 531 athletes.

Other individual codes have also seen strong numbers, including 193 rock climbers, 180 golfers, 252 tennis players, 87 surfers and 371 badminton players.

Adapted sports have experienced significant growth, with entries across cross country, table tennis and indoor bowls nearly tripling to 92 competitors.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the continued growth highlighted the tournament’s inclusiveness and significance.

“The number of athletes this year is fantastic. It’s great to see more schools than ever taking part, with the continued growth in international schools, adapted sports and individual events,” he said.

“It shows just how inclusive and dynamic this event has become.”

Of the team sports, Rip Rugby has recorded a sharp jump, increasing from 77 teams last year to 100 in 2026. The rise has prompted organisers to schedule additional night matches at Bay Oval and Blake Park to accommodate the draw.

Across rugby formats, there are now 159 teams competing, slightly ahead of netball’s 156 teams.

Football continues to maintain strong participation, with 193 teams registered – just one fewer than last year – bolstered by the continued rise of futsal, which now accounts for 84 teams.

Zespri remains the tournament’s naming rights sponsor for a fifth year. The company’s global head of public affairs, Michael Fox, said supporting the event aligned with its focus on promoting healthy lifestyles.

“We’re proud to get right behind an event that encourages young people to be active, build healthy habits and create lasting connections,” he said.

“The energy and enthusiasm these athletes bring is incredible, and it’s something that’s shared right across the community.”

Auckland once again provides the largest contingent of schools with 117 participating, followed by Waikato (79) and Bay of Plenty (62). International representation includes one school from Australia, six from the Cook Islands and four from Fiji.

The record turnout reinforces the Zespri Aims Games’ status as a premier youth sporting event, with thousands of athletes set to descend on Tauranga Moana for a week of competition.

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