Words and photo by Aysha Finlay

Opua School’s Eliza Arrell and Louisa Caulton are accustomed to swimming with the ocean waves. But here at the Zespri AIMS Games, they’re freestyling their way through the pool.

The Year 8 Northland swimmers don’t have access to a swimming pool back home, so they’ve been training for the Tauranga tournament in the local harbour.

“It’s very different because there are waves in the harbour and it kind of pushes you back,” Eliza said.

Louisa added, “It’s really salty, and most people don’t wear their swim caps, so their hair gets in your face.”

The girls believe the different training environment has given them an advantage in the pool.

“It’s harder,” Eliza said.

Louisa agrees. “Yeah, you would with the waves, you're stronger in the pool.”

That resilience has carried them through three different swimming events at the AIMS Games, including freestyle sprints, backstroke and individual medleys.

Benny Holwerda from Tairua School on the Coromandel Peninsula has also spent a week in the water. 

The 11-year-old was competing in two water sports at the AIMS Games, including the 50m breaststroke and surfing.

He felt “pretty good” to be the school’s only competitor at the intermediate-age sports tournament.

“I feel pretty good, just meeting all the people. I’ve made a few friends.”

Though he’s a top swimmer, Benny said surfing is his favourite sport. The Tauranga waves, however, felt tame compared to his home break in Tairua.

“It was pretty small, I’m usually used to something a bit bigger,” he said. 

Whether training in salty waters or repping their schools alone, all three athletes are proving that small schools can make their mark. 

Article added: Friday 05 September 2025