The students spent all winter raising money to pay for the week in Tauranga, including $1000 to rent a private Papamoa home. They admit it was a struggle at times to reach their target.
But unbeknown to the Tarawera students, the home owners gave $200 back to the Tarawera group to go out for dinner and donated the rest of the money to charity.
The school's netball coach, Serena Tahana, says they did not find out until after day one of the tournament on Monday night.
"The neighbour came over with an envelope with $200 and a note in it that said the money was specifically for the girls to go out to dinner," she said. "It was an awesome gesture."
Proud parent Thomas Hohua says: "There is a wow factor in this, with the key word being appreciation.
"The aroha and love is a huge factor for our kids. We truly appreciate what they have done for our girls and the wider community because that is huge.
"Raising funds has been difficult. To have all parents on board and to have the support of our teachers and school was huge, having to do hangi sales and the normal sausage sizzles."
Tahana says washing cars on below freezing Eastern Bay winter mornings was an added challenge, as the girls literally could not feel their fingers.
"But not one moaned or gave up because they were so happy to be coming to AIMS."
On the court, the Tarawera netballers have had a mixed bag of results, but they are still in with a chance of making today's semifinals.
Their best wins so far have been over Reremoana Primary School and Fairfield Intermediate.
The Eastern Bay runners-up are hoping to finish off a great season in style with an Aims medal to go with the experience.
The netball programme continues with pool play and semifinals today before the finals on Friday.
-Details: www.nzaimsgames.co.nz
