As the countdown begins for this year’s Zespri Aims Games, figures are out confirming just how significant the tournament is for Tauranga Moana.

Ahead of the tournament programme being released later this month, the Government has also confirmed Events Boost funding for the flagship intermediate-aged showpiece, which will take place in the city from September 5-11.

Last year’s Aims Games, which attracted a record-breaking 14,022 athletes from 431 schools, brought 23,425 visitors to the city and generated $9,751,958 in tourism expenditure.

The net benefit to Tauranga was $5,806,942 – a significant jump from the last time it was measured, 2024’s $4.33 million.

Tournament director Kelly Schischka was especially pleased at more national recognition, backing up a win at the 2025 NZEA NZ Event Awards (best non-profit or community event over 3000) by getting a marketing windfall through the just-announced Events Boost Fund.

“This is hugely significant for us, not only from a financial standpoint, but also because it’s recognition of how important the Zespri Aims Games is nationally,” she said.

The Events Boost Fund is a one-off Government fund, administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, designed to increase international visitors and ramp up economic activity by supporting key events.

Previously announced recipients include the TSB Festival of Lights, Ironman New Zealand, the Art Deco Festival Napier and the Autumn Super Season in Christchurch.

Tauranga City Council is a strategic partner of the Zespri Aims Games, and Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said it was a major highlight of the city’s annual events calendar.

“The Zespri Aims Games delivers significant economic benefits for Tauranga but one of the best parts is seeing thousands of kids giving it their all,” he said.

“Their enthusiasm lifts the whole city, and our community really gets behind the event, showcasing the manaakitanga Tauranga is known for. The tournament is great for business, great for our young people, and reinforces Tauranga as a hugely attractive destination for visitors and events.”

Ella Quinlivan, from Ngātīmoti School near Motueka, competes in canoe slalom during the Zespri Aims Games. Photo / Alan Gibson

The week-long event has grown dramatically since its inception in 2004, when just 760 athletes from 17 schools entered across four sporting codes.

Last year saw 27 sporting codes held across seven days of competition, including four sports for athletes with disabilities.

With Zespri now into its fifth year as naming rights partner, the company’s head of grower and stakeholder relations, Michael Fox, said the continued growth of athlete and visitor numbers was a hugely positive sign.

”It’s fantastic to see so many young people taking part, keeping active and learning healthy habits through sport.

“And for them to share that experience with their families and supporters is only going to help grow happy and healthy communities, which fits perfectly into what Zespri is all about. This event not only gives back so much to one of our largest kiwifruit growing regions, it also helps the athletes who attend make memories to last a lifetime.”

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell and Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford said the Government continued to invest in in successful major events that deliver real economic benefits to Tauranga and support local jobs and businesses.

“The Zespri AIMS Games is just one of many events, both new and established, being boosted nationwide from May to December 2026. The government is boosting a wide range of events from sports, arts, food and culture,” Uffindell said.

“Major events are critical for our hospitality and tourism sectors, and the economic ripple effects are huge. Local accommodation fills up, restaurants and cafés thrive, and local businesses see more customers, creating jobs and lifting incomes,” Rutherford said.

“The economic return is clear. These Games and other events will help increase visitor spending, boost retail and hospitality, benefitting our local businesses and communities."