SAINT Anne’s Primary School (SAPS) will make its third consecutive appearance at the Zespri AIMS Games in Tauranga, New Zealand, with its under-13 netball team setting its sights on improving last year’s 53rd placing.
SAPS U13 netball coach Makitalena Takayawa said the team was determined to climb the rankings after finishing 53rd among more than 100 schools at last year’s tournament.
“Last year, they placed 53 out of 100 plus schools and our goal this year is to move from 53 up to 40s, top 30s,” Takayawa said.
She said the main objective was for the girls to enjoy the experience while improving their position.
“As long as the girls enjoy themselves and move our rank a little bit higher,” she said.
Takayawa, who is in her second year at St Anne’s, said the school had been invited to the tournament each year and the girls were looking forward to returning to Tauranga.
The AIMS Games, held annually in Tauranga, provides young athletes with an opportunity to compete against schools from across New Zealand and the Pacific.
Netball has been St Anne’s main sport at the tournament, with the school taking its under-13 team each year.
This year, the school will also make its mark in badminton, with Abigail Corrie set to represent St Anne’s in the sport.
Takayawa said getting the team to New Zealand had required considerable support from parents and the wider St Anne’s community.
“This trip has really been a testing one and we couldn’t do this without God and the support of our parents has been so wonderful.”
She acknowledged the efforts of parents who came together for last-minute fundraising, as well as donations from the St Anne’s alumni, the school community and supporters in Fiji and abroad.
Their support, she said, had helped the team prepare for the trip.
The 2026 Zespri AIMS Games will be held from September 5-11 and will bring together school-aged athletes from New Zealand and the Pacific.
