The AIMS Games (Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools) (Te Reo Māori: Ngā Taumāhekeheke AIMS), currently branded as Zespri AIMS Games, is an annual multi-sport event held in Tauranga, New Zealand. The tournament attracted 166 schools in 2012,Starting gun fires on AIMS games 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.BMX added to NZCT AIMS games 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.AIMS Games injects $3m into Tauranga but more beds needed 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: Zespri Tauranga City Council Mercury Energy Bayfair Shopping Centre Mainfreight Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Sports
The event currently has 27 sports, which are: Badminton Basketball (3x3 and 5 aside) 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
References
External links Zespri Aims Games