ACG Tauranga has once again proven that size is no barrier to success on the sports field. At this year’s AIMS Games, our students delivered outstanding results, with medals across a range of disciplines:

• Gold – Yachting: Overall and Year 8 Boys (Harry Strang)
• Silver – Hockey: Division 1 Mixed (Students: Anna Ellis, Ashton Salmons, Ava Wilson, Jack Olsen, Leviticus Chow, Lleyton Ashworth, Mia Mafi, Olivia Rutherford, and Phoebe Ward)
• Bronze – Mountain biking:  Year 8 Girls Enduro (Sennen Harris)

A smaller environment, focused on enabling the potential of each individual student, these results highlight not only the talent and determination of our young athletes but also the quality of our sports programmes, which continue to grow from strength to strength.

A Hockey Programme on the Rise

Our hockey teams have had an exceptional year, cementing ACG Tauranga’s reputation as a school to watch on the national sporting stage.

• The Girls’ 1st XI enjoyed a phenomenal season, climbing from Division 3 to win the Championship 1 Division title. Their momentum carried them through to the NZ Secondary Schools Winter Tournament, where they placed 5th overall at the Evaline Hanker Memorial Tournament. Their only loss of the week came in a close opening match against the eventual grand finalists – a result that ultimately separated them from playing for the title.
• The Boys’ 1st XI also demonstrated grit and progress, finishing 7th at the national tournament and claiming 4th place in their competition.
• The Year 7&8 A team had an outstanding season before heading into AIMS Games placing 3rd in Division 1 and winning Overall Mixed Team of the Season.

Central to this success is the calibre of our coaching staff: Gene Coates-Reid (Year 7–8, AIMS Games, 1st XI Boys) and Abby Furmage (1st XI Girls). Gene has been pivotal in nurturing talent, achieving outstanding results at this prestigious competition, and supporting the growth of the 1st XI Boys team. Abby has been crucial not only in the development and success of our 1st XI girls’ hockey team but also as Head of Hockey, managing the programme. She will herself be competing at this weeks National Hockey Championships. Both Gene and Abby bring international-level expertise as current NZ Masters Coaches, providing our students with world-class guidance both on and off the field.

Building a Sporting Culture

These results reflect the energy and passion driving sport at ACG Tauranga. From our young competitors in AIMS to our senior athletes, ACG Tauranga is building a culture that celebrates perseverance, skill, and teamwork. We are proud to stand tall as a small school achieving big on the sporting stage.