During the second week of September, Tauranga played host to the annual AIMS Games tournament, welcoming intermediate-school athletes and teams from across Aotearoa New Zealand. As one of the largest sports codes in the entire competition, netball delivered a high level of play and energy throughout the week, with our Zone strongly represented by a dedicated cohort of umpires and umpire coaches.

For many of our young and emerging umpires, the AIMS Games serves as an invaluable introduction to tournament officiating. Operating in a fast-paced, multi-day environment gives these officials a genuine taste of tournament week dynamics, helping them build resilience, adapt to different playing styles, and accelerate their development on the court.

The success of our umpires was made possible by the outstanding support of our Umpire Coaches. Their role extends far beyond standard technical feedback and formal assessments; throughout the week, coaches provided continuous encouragement, practical advice, and vital sideline management. The willingness of these volunteers to step into varied roles ensured our umpires felt guided and confident in every match.

We also acknowledge Tauranga Netball Centre and the tournament organizers for delivering an exceptionally well-run event. Executing a tournament of this scale requires immense coordination and planning. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers, staff, and organizers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create a positive, seamless experience for all participants.

Article added: Tuesday 29 September 2026