The 2026 New Zealand Seniors & Veterans Chess Championships, hosted by the Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club from 17–19 July at Auckland’s Waipuna Hotel, attracted a record 41 players for three days of competitive chess.
The six-round tournament featured many hard-fought battles and exciting games, highlighting the skill, determination and enduring passion of New Zealand’s senior chess players.
Congratulations to our champions!
Especially to our Club Coach, FM Leonard McLaren.
| Player | Points | Position | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ralph Hart | 5/6 | 1st equal | Joint NZ Seniors Champion |
| FM Stephen G Lukey | 5/6 | 1st equal | Joint NZ Seniors Champion |
| FM Leonard J McLaren | 4.5/6 | 3rd equal | — |
| FM Robert W Smith | 4.5/6 | 3rd equal, 1st equal Veterans | Joint NZ Veterans Champion |
| FM Peter D McKenzie | 4.5/6 | 3rd equal | — |
| Nick Cummings | 4.5/6 | 3rd equal, 1st equal Veterans | Joint NZ Veterans Champion |
| FM Robert E Gibbons | 4/6 | 7th equal, 3rd Veterans | — |
| Ceferino Isaac | 3.5/6 | 10th equal, 1st 80+ years | NZ Legends Champion |
Thank you to our supporters
Tournament organiser Paul Spiller thanked everyone who contributed to the event’s success, particularly arbiters NA Christoph Thurner and IA Ying Wang, photographer Weiyang Yu, and sponsor Tony Moores of Poppies Bookstore, Howick, who also attended the prizegiving.
The record participation and positive response from players reflected the strength of New Zealand’s senior chess community. The Howick-Pakuranga Chess Club would welcome the opportunity to host the championship again in 2027.
Chess is truly a game for life, bringing people together through friendship, competition and a shared passion for the game.
Full tournament results
See the full results on VegaResults and the event page.
