Netball star Irene Van Dyk and Commonwealth Games gold medallists Sam Webster (track cycling) and Lauren Boyle (swimming) will help open the championship, while an impressive role call of former sporting stars will be on the sidelines during the week helping coach and manage teams.
They include former All Blacks Rico Gear and Rhys Duggan, former Silver Fern Tania Dalton and Tall Black Dillon Boucher, acclaimed league coach Kevin Tamati and middle distance legend Dick Quax - a silver medallist at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Among the 17 sporting codes represented will be 90 netball teams, 62 hockey teams, 79 football teams and more than 500 cross country runners. Table tennis also makes a debut this year, attracting 59 entries from 15 schools.
Parents and supporters can follow the event at www.nzaimsgames.co.nz or on Facebook.
Northland schools competing: Dargaville Intermediate; St Joseph's Dargaville; Whangaroa College; Kaikohe Intermediate; Ahipara School; Kaingaroa School; Kaitaia Intermediate; Pamapuria School; TKKM Pukemiro; Matarau School; Kerikeri High School; Oruaiti Primary School*; Otamatea High School; Opua School; Ruawai College*; Kamo Intermediate; Manaia View School*; Pompallier Catholic College; Purua School; Whangarei Intermediate (*competing for the first time).