WELCOME
On behalf of the team at Chess Power I want to wish you a very warm welcome to the Chess Power Onsite Teams National Finals 2026 Chess Championship.
The Chess Power Onsite Teams Nationals Finals bring together school teams from across New Zealand for a day of competition, teamwork and shared excitement. Reaching the Finals is a significant achievement, and every player arrives having helped their team earn its place.
We hope the players enjoy the challenge of competing on the national stage, supporting their teammates and meeting young chess players from other schools. Thank you to the families, teachers and supporters who have encouraged them along the way. We’re looking forward to a memorable celebration of school chess.
Team Nationals 2026 Senior Division Champions
Hamilton Boys' High School
This welcome letter is for the onsite Team Nationals. There is a separate welcome letter for the online Team Nationals, and the onsite and online Champions Trophy events, linked below.
To all the parents, teachers and organisers, thank you for helping your tamariki reach the Chess Power Onsite Teams Nationals Finals and for supporting them throughout the year. We’re expecting 929 players across this year’s Nationals programme, including 366 players in the Onsite Teams Nationals. We’re looking forward to welcoming you and will do our best to make the day a positive and memorable experience for everyone.
View a map of the schools participating in the onsite Team Nationals 2026.
DATE
Southwell School
200 Peachgrove Road,
Claudelands,
HAMILTON
Use this Google Map link for directions.
Note that all divisions for the onsite Champions Trophy on the following day, Sunday, will also be held at Southwell School in the same space. A separate welcome letter will be sent to all registered players for the Champions Trophy and a link to this letter is at the beginning of this page.
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING
Hamilton Airport to Southwell School directions
If you are doing a road trip...
Or use this map if you are travelling from the South to Southwell School
Note: Labour weekend is extremely busy so expect delays on the road and allow for extra time for travel.
The opening welcome and tournament announcements will be held in the Performing Arts Centre. All teams should check-in in the atrium of the Performing Arts Centre. On completion of the opening announcements, all players participating in the senior division will move to the Gym.
Once all rounds are finished, all players will proceed to the Auditorium (within the Performing Arts Centre building) for the prize giving ceremony.
Refer to the Team Nationals facilities map for an overview of the school and layout of the school buildings.
The event runs from 9am to 5:30pm. Check-in will be available from 8am. We recommend you aim to arrive at the venue by 8:15am to enjoy a stress-free arrival.
8.00am Guests arrival start9.00am All guests should have arrived
9.30am Opening Announcements10.00am Start Round 110.35am Start Round 211.00am MORNING TEA BREAK11.20am Start Round 311.55am Start Round 412.30pm Start Round 51.00pm LUNCH BREAK1.30pm Start Round 62.05pm Start Round 72.30pm AFTERNOON TEA BREAK2.50pm Start Round 83.25pm Start Round 94.00pm Fun Activity!4.30pm Prize Giving5.30pm Tournament Close and Farewell
HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE AND EVACUATION PROCEDURES
Results of games for all divisions will be recorded live and are available to view in Tornelo. You can also use this link to see the other teams that will be participating in your division and the players that make up each team as well as individual and team results. View our Understanding Event Results page to learn more about interpreting results.
As this is a school teams event school uniforms are required. We recommend you come well-dressed as this shows your team is well organised and you will look great in the team photos too!
Naswa and her team from Sambal Bali will also be onsite from 10:30 - 3:00pm for some spicy lunch options. View the Sambal Bali menu.
Scott from Just Dessert Me will be onsite from 12:30 - 3pm for yummy ice-cream and dessert treats. View the Just Dessert Me menu.
Other alternative food outlets close by include McDonald's, BurgerFuel, Noodle Canteen, Mr Katsu, King Kebab and Texas Chicken all within a two minute drive.
Refreshments (tea and coffee) will also be available for all adults throughout the day.
PRIZES
Trophies
FREE Entry to the Champions Trophy
The top 10 individuals in each division will gain free entry to their choice of the onsite Champions Trophy or the online Champions Trophy on the following day.
An email confirming attendance including which event you wish to attend must be sent to events@chesspower.co.nz before 8pm on Saturday evening.
Note: Players who quality but have already paid for the Champions Trophy are not eligible for refunds.
JUNIOR DIVISION
INTERMEDIATE DIVISION
SENIOR DIVISION
X-Chess is Back!
We’re extremely excited to bring back X-Chess again at this year’s Nationals! X-Chess means thinking from the very first move. Whether you're new to chess or a seasoned player, X-Chess provides a unique challenge, blending strategy and skill in ways that promise to engage and surprise.
This Nationals event you will be able to see the X-Chess boxed game and engage in the X-Chess online experience in our activities centre.
Coaching Clinic and Activities Centre
We have a great chess coach to help you improve your game throughout the event. Brain challenges will also be available and some challenges can earn badges and rewards. And yes, we will have Chess-e, the Chess robot!
Supporter of the YearEach year we recognise a special individual that has supported chess in their school and community. The winner of the supporter of the year award will be announced at this event.
You can nominate the 2026 Supporter of the year by completing the nomination form. Nominations close on Thursday 15 October.
Ceire Hopley, Waiopehu CollegeSupporter of the Year 2025Yours in Chess,
Paul Macdonald
CEO
Chess Power