Schools & Interschools

NZCF Interschools Championship

The New Zealand Interschools Championship is organised by the New Zealand Chess Federation and regional organisers around New Zealand. The 2026 rules are available below (pdf document). The Interschool Coordinator for 2026 is Craig Hall – to contact him, please email craig.hall@newzealandchess.co.nz.

Updates for 2026: Auckland regions have been defined using Auckland Council wards as follows:

Interschool Region
Auckland Council Ward
North Shore
Rodney Ward

Albany Ward

North Shore Ward
West Auckland
Waitākere Ward

 Whau Ward
Central Auckland
Ōrākei Ward

Albert-Eden-Puketāpapa Ward

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward
East Auckland
Howick Ward

Waitematā and Gulf Ward
South Auckland
Manukau Ward

Manurewa-Papakura Ward

Franklin Ward

A school is in the Auckland region based on its ward as listed on the Education Counts website (under Territorial Authority): https://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/directories/list-of-nz-schools. As an exception, if a school played in a different Auckland regional competition in 2025 to that indicated by the table, the school may continue to play in last year’s region (although are not required to). This exception will continue in future years as long as the school plays each year.

2021, 2020, 2019 and 2018 calendars and the 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 results can be viewed on the old NZCF website. Prior to 2017, the Interschools finals (only) results are available in the main NZCF results pages, accessible from the archives.

2026 National Finals

Auckland

26-27 September Primary 1-6, Intermediate 7-8 and Secondary 9-13
Venue: Freemans Bay Community Centre
Webpage: NZCF National Interschool Finals
Registration/queries: nsjchess@gmail.com
Wildcard requests: craig.hall@newzealandchess.co.nz

Tournament Information

NZCF Interschools Results 2026

NZCF JUNIOR BADGES & CERTIFICATES – FOR SALE TO CHESS COACHES & CHESS TEACHERS

The New Zealand Chess Federation has a popular series of four written tests for pupils to take, and these tests can be supplied to chess teachers and coaches on request. A different badge and certificate is awarded as the pupil passes each test. There is no charge for e-mailing the PDF files of the written tests.

The badges and certificates can be purchased from NZCF as follows:

LEVEL 1 – PAWN BADGE and Level 1 CERTIFICATE $6

LEVEL 2 – KNIGHT BADGE and Level 2 CERTIFICATE $6

LEVEL 3 – BISHOP BADGE and Level 3 CERTIFICATE $6

LEVEL 4 – ROOK BADGE and Level 4 CERTIFICATE $6

ORDERS – Badges and certificates can be ordered from NZCF VP Paul Spiller, e-mail PaulSSpiller@outlook.com or phone 0274595176. Minimum order value $30. Postage added at cost, minimum $5 per shipment. Pick-up from Auckland also possible by arrangement.

FREE PDF FILES OF TESTS – Chess coaches and teachers can request these by emailing the NZCF Administrator.