Ian

Ian is always on the sideline cheering and chanting for the tamariki, celebrating their goals and encouraging them throughout every game. He cheers for all the players, not just his own son, and is constantly building them up and empowering their mana.

He also gets the parents involved, especially those who are a little shy, bringing them into conversations and getting everyone laughing and cheering together. His energy quickly spreads to everyone around him and creates such a fun atmosphere for the tamariki, parents and supporters.

Lorraine Nicholls

Lorraine is an amazing gymnastics coach at Somerville Intermediate who brings positivity, encouragement and energy to every session. She makes every student feel supported, valued and confident, regardless of their ability. Her enthusiasm and genuine care for the students create such a happy and welcoming environment. Lorraine always goes the extra mile to encourage the kids, celebrate their achievements and help them believe in themselves. She truly makes a positive difference in the lives of the students she coaches.

Lorraine always brings a smile, positive energy and encouragement to the gym. She celebrates even the smallest improvements and makes the students feel proud of what they can achieve. When a student is struggling or feeling unsure, she takes the time to encourage them and build their confidence rather than letting them give up. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and you can really see how much the students enjoy being around her.

Karen Dreaver

Karen is rocking around the netball courts in a pink visor and bumbag, glasses and accessories. She cheers for every goal and every player whatever the team! She supports everyone around her and makes people feel good about themselves. She has bracelets to give the opposition for fair play and kindness. Our team awards this each game. An umpire has even received one. Karen is just an all round positive vibe queen!

Bracelets for other team best sportsmanship, fair play and kindness. Has a smile on her face and introduces herself to everyone!

The Te Wharekura o Manaia team

They were so lovely to play, so kind, respectful. Their manager was a breath of fresh air so supportive of our girls. We wish them all the best.

Just so uplifting cheering our team on too.

Airdrie Grylls (Papamoa College)

Judge and stand in coach for two schools for gymnastics. Not only volunteered her time to judge gymnastics all day Sunday but jumped in to coach her daughter from Te Puke Intermediate and Izzy from Papamoa College as they went through.

Amazingly positive and encouraging to all athletes.
Is a love friendly person in what can be a stressful time for kids competing, totally puts them at ease. Has judged and helped at many aims games comps even when her kids aren’t attending. Will go the extra mile for anyone that needs it. Overall amazingly generous person.

Micky Huriwaka (Opotiki Primary)

Micky Huriwaka is someone who makes a difference simply by the way he treats people. His positive attitude, infectious energy and genuine encouragement have a lasting impact on those around him.

Micky truly embodies Positive Vibes Only. He doesn't just support the idea; he lives it. Through his actions, he lifts people up, brings people together and helps create great sporting experiences for everyone.
Micky’s greatest impact is the feeling he leaves with people — feeling encouraged, included, valued and proud. That is the power of positive support.

Cooper Gillespie (Pongakawa School)

Cooper is our Head Boy and the person who helped create and bring our Futsal team together. Unfortunately, he suffered a serious leg injury and was unable to play alongside the team as planned. Despite this huge disappointment Cooper has continued to show up, support his teammates and take on the role of co-coach.
Rather than letting his injury take away from the experience, he has turned it into an opportunity to lift the people around him. He is incredibly positive, encouraging and genuinely invested in seeing his teammates succeed. His attitude, maturity and commitment have been amazing to watch!

Cooper brings the vibe in everything he does. Even though he can’t take the court himself, he is always there cheering the boys on, encouraging them and celebrating their successes.
What really stands out is the way he speaks to the team. His team talks are incredibly mature, positive and motivating. He knows how to get the boys focused without putting pressure on them, and he always finds a way to build their confidence.
At the end of games, Cooper gives constructive feedback in such a positive and respectful way. He uses the “compliment sandwich” technique - acknowledging what the boys did well, giving them something they can improve on, and finishing by reinforcing the positives. He never makes anyone feel like they have failed; instead, he makes them want to come back and do better.
Cooper is genuinely one of the most positive people around. Despite being unable to play because of his injury, he has chosen to show up, support his team and make the experience better for everyone else. His attitude is exactly what the Positive Vibes Only Champion award is about.
Cooper could quite easily have stayed home and been disappointed about missing out, but instead he chose to be there for his team. He has turned a really difficult situation for himself into an opportunity to lift everyone else, and that is what makes him a true Positive Vibes Only Champion.

Christ Deng (Pinehurst Junior School)

I would like to nominate our basketball coach Christ Deng for this recognition. Christ is an incredibly patient, supportive, and dedicated coach. He always puts the players and the team first, and consistently encourages everyone to do their best. He is supportive of every player, regardless of their ability or performance, and helps create a positive and inclusive team environment.

Christ brings a positive and encouraging vibe to the team by always being present and engaged with the players. He stays with the team throughout training and games, offering encouragement, support, and guidance whenever it is needed. Even during difficult moments or when the team is under pressure, he remains positive and motivates the players to keep trying. His patience, energy, and genuine support help create a strong team spirit and make every player feel valued and included.

Eddie Mtakwa (Rototuna Junior High School)

Eddie is a positive vibes king. He is an excellent example of whaanau being positive, supportive and there to support not only his own daughter but every player in the team!

Today he came down and congratulated the whole team and then gave his own daughter a big hug and told her how amazing she played. He is always the first to help out with gear.

Grace Tautuhi (Finlayson Park School)

Grace consistently shows what it means to put students first, leading with patience, encouragement and genuine care. She takes trainings every week, often going above and beyond to make sure our athletes feel prepared, supported and confident. Her calm presence on the sideline and her commitment behind the scenes create an environment where our tamariki can thrive, enjoy their sport and bring their best selves to AIMS. Grace embodies positive vibes in everything she does, and our athletes are better for it.

Grace brings the good positive vibes by consistently lifting our athletes with encouraging words like “You’ve got this,” “Proud of your effort,” “Keep going, you’re doing great,” “Your hard work is showing,” and “I believe in you.” She keeps the mood calm and positive, reminding students to “shake it off, reset, go again,” and offering steady reassurance such as “Take a breath, you’re capable.” Whether she’s celebrating small wins, acknowledging improvement, or simply showing genuine belief in every athlete, Grace creates an environment where students feel supported, confident and ready to bring their best selves to AIMS.

Sherrie Tullett (Villa Maria Christchurch)

Sherrie has been spreading good vibes for the last two days for EVERYONE ! She is dressed as a unicorn . And just like the magical Unicorn that makes everybody feel happy and positive Sherrie is sharing the same good vibes . Sherrie has let everyone take photos with her and she is encouraging all players at the netball courts to play well and have the best time .

Sherrie has been the centre of every teams attention, posing for photos with the kids and adults. I have seen so many teams come together laughing and high fiving with her and each other .

Bethany Badger (Tikipunga High School)

Bethany goes above and beyond to be a positive role model for our girls, both on and off the court. She’s always encouraging them, building their confidence and reminding them to back themselves and each other. She really is the wind in their sails — keeping them positive, lifting them up and making sure they enjoy the journey along the way. We’re so lucky to have her in their corner.

Bethany is definitely the mother hen of the team. She looks out for all the girls, checks in on them and is always there with encouragement when they need it. She keeps things positive on and off the court, makes sure everyone feels included and reminds the girls to back themselves and each other. She genuinely cares about them as people, not just players, and the girls know she’s always got their backs.

The Positive Vibes Only Champion Awards celebrate our sideline supporters.  Whether cheering from the sidelines, coaching from the bench or supporting behind the scenes, these are the coaches, managers, parents, teachers and supporters who create a positive environment where Zespri AIMS Games athletes thrive, feel supported and bring their best selves to the competition.

There are multiple Positive Vibes Only Champion Awards up for grabs throughout the event, and nominations can be made via the Zespri AIMS Games app. Voting opens at 9:00am and closes at 3:00pm each day, Saturday 5 - Wednesday 9 September 2026. The winners will be announced at 5:00pm daily via the Zespri AIMS Games app and website.