The New Zealand Chess Championship is an annual open tournament played to determine the country's chess champion. It is organised by the New Zealand Chess Federation.
The first installment of the championship was held in Christchurch in 1879, and was won by Henry Hookham. Following a 9 year break, the tournament resumed in the New Year of 1888/89, and has been held annually since.[1] It has been played with the Swiss system since 1996/97.
Note: Up until 1934 foreign players were eligible for the title. The eligibility rules were changed in 1935 to preclude this; John Angus Erskine (twice champion in 1929 and 1935) was born in Invercargill and was therefore eligible although he was domiciled in Melbourne, Australia.