New Zealand Seniors & Veterans Chess Championships 2026

Friday 17th July – Sunday 19th July 2026

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Venue: Carbine Room, Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre
Mount Wellington, AUCKLAND
Proudly organised by the Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club in association with the Howick Poppies Bookstore.

Format:
Two rounds per day, starting at 9.30 am and 2.30 pm on Friday 17th, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July.

Player’s meeting: 9am on Friday 17th.

Prize giving ASAP after round 6 is completed.

Time Control:
90 minutes per player plus 30 seconds increment from move 1.

Entry fee:
$60 per player

Prize fund:
A minimum prize fund of $1,000 plus Poppies Bookstore vouchers distributed as follows:
Senior: 1st $250 2nd $150 3rd $100
Veteran: 1st $250 2nd $150 3rd $100
Legend: Poppies Book Vouchers values at $150

The highest placed New Zealand player shall become the NZ Seniors Chess Champion. The highest placed player over the age of 64 on 1st January 2026 (born before the year 1962) shall become the NZ Veterans Champion. A new Legend prize will be awarded to the highest placed player over the age of 80 on 1st January 2026.

No player may win more than one prize. Prizes and titles will be shared equally in the event of a tie.

Half point byes:
Up to two half point byes are available in any of the first four rounds. Notice should be given before the start of the tournament and can be given upon entering.

Player eligibility:
Players must be over the age of 49 on 1st January 2026 (born before 1977).

Rating:
NZCF and FIDE rated where possible. Non NZL players must have or obtain a FIDE ID from their national federation.