Proud to support the 2026 Zespri AIMS Games

Every September, Tauranga and the Mount transform for the Zespri AIMS Games, Australasia’s largest junior sporting event. This year’s tournament ran from 5–11 September, bringing 467 schools and more than 14,500 Year 7 and 8 athletes to the region across 27 sporting codes and 30 venues.

Founded in 2004 with 17 schools and four sports, AIMS Games has grown into a week-long celebration of junior sport that fills the city with school colours, visiting families and unmistakable energy. For a week, Tauranga and the Mount become the beating heart of youth sport in this part of the world.

Once again this year, Bayleys was an official sponsor of Rip Rugby and Rugby Sevens, two of the highest-energy codes on the AIMS Games calendar. Blake Park became the hub for thousands of competitors, and the Bayleys photobooth was immensely popular, giving athletes, whānau and supporters a fun way to secure a keepsake.

This was a genuinely national effort. Agents from Bayleys offices right across the network also sponsored and supported individual teams, and our presence was felt across almost every code at the Games. We also ran giveaways for competitors and supporters throughout the week and supported the team from Aotea Great Barrier Island with a Bayleys gazebo base and supplies for their time in Tauranga.

At Bayleys, community is at the heart of what we do, and AIMS Games is exactly the kind of event we want to keep showing up for. It brings energy, visitors and pride to Tauranga and the Mount, and gives thousands of young athletes the chance to compete on a big stage, many for the first time.

We look forward to being part of AIMS Games again next year.