AIMS Games - Opening Ceremony

OPENING CEREMONY

KICK OFF THE 2026 ZESPRI AIMS GAMES WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE CELEBRATION OF SPORT, SPIRIT AND COMMUNITY. 

The Opening Ceremony is designed to inspire competitors and set the tone for an incredible week of school sporting championships.

Event Details

Date: Sunday 6 September 2026

Venue: Mercury Baypark Arena, 81 Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui

Show 1: SOLD OUT

  • Starts: 3:00 PM (doors open at 2:00 PM)

  • Ends: approx. 4:15 PM

Show 2: SOLD OUT

  • Starts: 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:00 PM)

  • Ends: approx. 8:15 PM

  • Students/Children Tickets: $25.00 + $1.15 booking fee

  • Coaches/Managers/Adult Supporters Tickets: $35.00 + $1.15 booking fee

  • A fee applies should a school require an invoice to be generated for their Opening Ceremony tickets. Please note that Opening Ceremony ticket sales are managed by our ticketing provider, Flicket. Please ensure that payment for Opening Ceremony tickets are made into Flicket's bank account and not to the AIMS Games Trust.

  • No limit on ticket quantities per school.

Please note:​​​​​​​

  • Seating is limited. We ask schools to be selective when purchasing adult tickets during the pre-sale period. It is not necessary for parents to attend unless they are fulfilling a supervisory role

  • Due to venue capacity regulations, all attendees - including toddlers and infants - must have their own ticket. Lap seating is not permitted.​​​​​​​

2026 Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer Information

The Zespri AIMS Games Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer Ceremony is returning for 2026, and we’d love your school to be part of it. To register your flag bearer(s), please complete the form at the link below with the student and support teacher/adult details.

About the Role

During the ceremony, flag bearers will walk across the stage as part of the official flag bearer procession, proudly representing their school. This is a fun, confidence‑building moment for students and a highlight of the Opening Ceremony.

Key Information

  • Schools may nominate one or two flag bearers for each ceremony.

  • Flags should be no larger than 120cm x 60cm.

  • Flags may be carried on a pole or draped around the student.

  • Please be mindful of size - large corflute signs or tear‑drop flags cannot be used.

  • Choose students who will feel confident and enjoy being on stage.

  • Flag bearers must already hold a pre‑purchased ticket for the ceremony.

  • Students and their school flag must check in at Mercury Baypark 30 minutes before their ceremony at the sign‑in desk located at the entry.

  • Flags are optional - students may simply walk in their school uniform or colours if preferred.

Choosing the Right Show

If your athletes are likely to compete on Sunday afternoon, we recommend booking Show 2 (7:00 PM) to avoid scheduling conflicts.

This is especially relevant for:​​​​​​​

  • ​​​​​​​Gymnastics (Open MAG and WAG divisions)

  • Rock Climbing (Year 7 competitors)

  • Swimming (Session 2 events)

  • Yachting

Netball teams: All Sunday games will finish early to allow attendance at either ceremony, unless otherwise advised.

Gymnastics (Open MAG and WAG divisions): Please check the Sunday Session Times on the Gymnastics webpage to determine which Opening Ceremony is best to attend.

Ticket Sales Timeline

  • Monday 27 July: School group pre-sale opens

    • One order per school

    • Ordering details sent to the school’s designated Zespri AIMS Games contact via the registration portal

  • Wednesday 5 August: Public ticket sales open (Note: The full ticket allocation was exhausted during the school pre-sale and there will be no general on sale in 2026).

Note: Each year, at least one Opening Ceremony typically sells out during pre-sale. We strongly recommend securing tickets early.