By Lyla Courtney

One went over his handlebars in a mountain biking accident, another broke her kneecap in a tragic monkey bar accident, but neither has let it stop them from getting to the Zespri AIMS Games.

It just looks a bit different, as they’ve joined the media team, working behind the scenes to get the scoop on their peers.

This year Finn Bogun, Otis Duffy, and Maddie James seamlessly slotted into their roles on the media team.

Last year Finn, Year 8, represented Pāpāmoa College in mountain biking and went flying over his handlebars, luckily sustaining no injuries.

Maddie, Year 7, wasn’t so lucky after breaking her kneecap five months ago and needing surgery.

“I am super grateful and happy to be here,” she says, despite not being able to compete like she originally hoped.

The blow has been softened with some amazing opportunities.

“I’m also very lucky to interview Lisa Carrington.”

Otis, Year 8, says his favourite thing about AIMS is all the people coming together, and capturing cool photos from the sidelines.

Mount Maunganui College’s Louis Johnston, 18, is a student reporter, back in the newsroom after two years, proving once again to be an asset.

Two years ago, he started reporting alongside some different companies for the Netherlands women's football team, where he met journalist and photographer Zoe Hunter and Jamie Troughton, and was invited to AIMS.

“In my first year, I only did one day of reporting, but I absolutely loved it.”

Last year, he was too busy, but “made sure I had time” this year.

“Now I've done two days of reporting and I'm still loving it." 

Louis absolutely recommends AIMS for not only the sport but the environment and enjoyment, and he hopes to continue his reporting work in Christchurch next year.

AIMS is all about the youngsters, and these three are putting in the hard work behind the scenes to spotlight that.

- Lyla Courtney is a Year 10 student at Mount Maunganui College.

Article added: Friday 05 September 2025