Around 800 intermediate-aged children not fully immunised against measles were among the thousands who attended the first day of Tauranga's annual AIMS Games on Sunday.
Once a year the Bay of Plenty city becomes ground zero for school sports as 11,000 athletes from New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific compete in 23 different sports.
"It's a great competition, biggest tournament in NZ for sports," Black Ferns player Chelsea Alley says. "Great occasion to get amongst it and have fun."
- Measles probably entering NZ 'on a daily basis'
- MMR vaccine eligibility widened as measles outbreak spreads
But some fear this year it will also be ground zero for measles as New Zealand's outbreak worsens. Some parents were concerned, but organisers say they've followed public health advice.
"We do have 800 athletes that aren't immunised or don't know if they are immunised," says AIMS Games tournament director Vicki Semple.
However, athletes can only attend if they're showing no symptoms and every child provided medical records so organisers know exactly who is at risk.
Semple says that's based on official health advice.
"We're taking it very seriously, we've been liaising with MoH and DHB since July."
The children of parents Newshub spoke to had all been immunised - and there was mixed concern about the measles risk.
"Our son's vaccinated so no, it doesn't concern me," one said.
"I'd prefer if unvaccinated kids stay away," another said.
And on the plus side, organisers say an extra 1000 children have been immunised because of this event.
Newshub.
