Why Sports
At ACG Tauranga we see the connection and importance of physical activity and sport as an essential pre-requisite for academic success and overall wellbeing. Not only does sport promote a healthy school-life balance, but it fosters teamwork, builds school spirit, and encourages persistence and commitment.
Sports at ACG Tauranga
Through our sports programme, we aim to provide opportunities and exposure to a range of sports for all students, from social to competitive levels. We encourage students to participate to the best of their best ability, and in doing so, they not only build lifelong skills but also foster our school values of pride, integrity, respect, and compassion.
Sports on Offer
Facilities
Our full-size soccer pitch, multi turf and award-winning sports complex take pride of place at our campus. The complex features an international-size basketball court, grand entry foyer, fitness centre, kitchen and classrooms and can accommodate a wide range of sports activities, from basketball and badminton to netball, volleyball and futsal.
Head of Sports
Kristy Rutherford
Originally from Auckland, Kristy Rutherford relocated to Tauranga nine years ago with her family in search of a more balanced lifestyle. She holds a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management and brings a wealth of professional experience across executive support, project coordination, and event management.
Kristy began her journey at ACG Tauranga as the Sports Coordinator and was promoted to Head of Sport in 2024. Known for her strong organisational skills and ability to build positive relationships across the school community, her role allows her to combine a lifelong passion for sport with her strengths in leadership, communication, and logistics. Deeply committed to student wellbeing and success, Kristy is dedicated to creating an inclusive and inspiring sports programme at ACG Tauranga.
Sports Competitions
Wins & Awards
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students across a wide range of sporting disciplines in 2024 and 2025:
Xavier Fabier– Year 6 (Rock Climbing)
A dominant force on the climbing wall, Xavier secured 1st place overall at the 2025 Bay of Plenty Primary Rock-Climbing Champs, topping every individual category – top rope, lead, and speed – and recording the fastest time of the day with a 6.61-second run. He went on to claim 1st place in the U13 category at the La Sportiva National Speed Climbing Championships, breaking his own national record with a new time of 8.623 seconds. In 2024, Xavier was crowned U12 National Champion with another national record of 10.3 seconds, and proudly represented Team New Zealand at the Australian Youth Nationals, finishing 11th in Top Rope Climbing and 28th in Bouldering.
Harry Strang – Year 7 (Sailing)
Displayed exceptional skill and determination at the AIMS Games, earning a Gold medal and 1st place in the Year 7 Boys Optimist Sailing category.
Jack Olsen – Year 7 (Athletics)
Demonstrated impressive athletic ability across multiple events in both school and external competitions throughout 2024 and 2025, placing in the top three across various disciplines.
Amritpal Bains – Year 12 (Javelin)
Dominated the regional athletics circuit, taking 1st place in Senior Boys Javelin at both the 2024 and 2025 Waikato Bay of Plenty Athletics Championships and the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Athletics Championships.
Junior Girls Badminton Team (Year 9 – 10)
Secured 1st place in Division 3 of the Bay of Plenty Secondary School Junior Badminton Championships.
Senior Boys Badminton Team (Year 11 – 13)
Earned 1st place in Division 2 at the Bay of Plenty Secondary School Senior Badminton Championships.
1st XI Boys Hockey Team (Year 9 – 13)
Crowned Champions of the Championship 2 Division in their weekly competition.
These accomplishments reflect our students’ commitment, talent, and sportsmanship. We applaud them for their excellence and for representing our school with pride.
Contact Us Today
Discover how access to modern facilities and specialist coaching can help your child build a foundation for success in sports.
