The NZSS has attracted 1900 players, 450 officials and coaches, and estimated 1000 supporters and parents offering their help.
This is the biggest secondary indoor schools' sports event held in New Zealand.
Arena Manawatu's 19 courts and one court at the International Pacific College will be at fever pitch for the week.
Paul Cameron, Volleyball New Zealand chief executive officer, is in charge of the 47th national schools tournament.
"It's one of the biggest sporting events coming into the city and certainly from a youth point of view it's the biggest in New Zealand, he said.
With internet streaming of matches available for the fourth year, parents and fans from around New Zealand can watch their teams from all over the world.
-Western Bay results: Day 1:
Boys' division 1: Tauranga Boys' A bt Saint Patrick's Coll 3-1, Mt Maunganui Coll bt New Plymouth HS 3-0, Otumoetai Coll A bt Shirley HS 3-1, Te Puke HS bt Glendowie Coll 3-0, Tauranga A bt Lincoln 3-0, Mt Maunganui bt Marlborough 3-0, Otumoetai A bt Rutherford 3-0.
Division 2: Tauranga Boys' B bt Trident HS B 3-0, Otumoetai Coll Black bt Fraser HS 3-0, Bethlehem Coll bt Takapuna Grammar 3-0, Otumoetai Coll Green bt Cashmere HS 3-1.
Girls division 1: Bethlehem Coll A bt Westlake GHS 3-2, Otumoetai Coll B bt Tarawera HS 3-1, Otumoetai Coll A bt Matamata Coll 3-0, Mt Maunganui Coll bt Christchurch GHS 3-1, Rangitoto Coll A bt Otumoetai Coll C 3-0, Tauranga GC A bt Havelock North HS 3-0.
Division 2: Rangitoto Coll B bt Wellington GC 3-0, Otumoetai Coll D bt Taradale HS 3-0, Tauranga GC B bt Gisborne GHS 3-0, Wellington East GC bt Aquinas Coll 3-0, Trident HS A bt Te Puke HS 3-0.
-Full results: volleyballnz.org.nz