Aims Games brings welcome boost to businesses

COOL TEAM: Tahuriwakanui Durie, Wiremu Leef, Mikaere Leef, Jordan Urwin and Paris Urwin sold icecream at the Aims Games last week.

Cash registers have been ringing as more than 10,000 people converged on Tauranga during the past week for the Aims Games - and organisers believe the event will be bigger next year.

Tournament director Vicki Semple said feedback from around the country suggested schools that didn't make it were queuing up for 2015. "As for next year, we can only get bigger. Our challenge is to give them an even better taste of what Tauranga can provide and we are definitely up for that challenge."

"We've had 1000 more competitors here and they've just been absorbed brilliantly into the tournament, In fact, they've only added to the incredible atmosphere in the city."

Local businesses were stoked with the boost they got, she said.

Bayfair Mount Maunganui centre manager Steve Ellington said its customer counts over the last week suggested a 12 per cent increase over 'a traditional shopping week'.

"It is too early to predict sales results. However, we have received positive feedback from our retailers indicating we are set for another great month. The timing of the Aims Games is perfect as we come out of the quieter winter months and head into the school holidays, which herald the start of our traditional busy summer period."

The Aims Games encouraged the sporting participation and achievements of our New Zealand youth, helping to grow healthier communities, he said.

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dave Burnett said from an economic point of view it was a huge success.

"I have heard some good things from members about how they have benefited from all the students and their parents being in town. I'd say some positive information will come out of the economic study the Tauranga City Council has commissioned regarding the Aims Games. It will be massive."

Mount Maunganui Downtown Food Market owner Ami Shah said her shop had been busy and inundated with children.

"It does make a difference because we are still in the quiet period. Children and groups of people have come in to buy lollies, ice creams, water and cold drinks."

Papamoa Plaza centre manager David Hill said a lot of people had visited the plaza.

"The supermarket, The Warehouse and McDonald's have been crammed, packed."

Any event such as the Aims Games that brought an influx of people into the Bay had to be encouraged, he said.