Help Joshua Represent NZ Chess
Achieving his goal of representing NZ in chess.
Bay of Plenty
Joshua (age 14) learnt chess from his dad but very quickly it became obvious he had a real talent for it and he needed more of a challenge.
In early 2023 Joshua set a goal of gaining the Junior Master title from Chess Power, a goal which he had achieved by the end of the year.
His next goals were to play in NZCF (New Zealand Chess Federation) and FIDE (International Chess Federation) tournaments to increase his ratings and then a long term goal of representing NZ one day in international tournaments.
Now in October 2025, Joshua has been selected as part of the NZ team to play in the COMMONWEALTH Chess Championship in Malaysia in November 2025!
Alongside the Commonwealth Championship, Joshua will also be playing in:
• Oceania Youth Zonal Chess Championship in Brisbane in December 2025
• Arthur Pomeroy Memorial Cup invitational tournament in Auckland in January 2026, featuring 10 top junior players from New Zealand and overseas
To do this he needs help! Joshua is fundraising locally but with such a short time frame he is limited to what he can do without assistance from others. We would be so grateful for any amount large or small to help achieve this dream.
Gemma Barnes' involvement (page creator)
I am Joshua's mum.
Use of funds
Joshua is fundraising to cover the costs of international travel and tournament entry fees.
Latest update
2nd at Invitational tournament in Auckland 26 January 2026
Josh finished second in the Arthur Pomeroy Memorial Chess Tournament last week. He was presented with his prize by Dr Tony Booth, NZCF Life Member and Vice-Patron of the Federation.
The tournament consisted of 11 rounds over six days, with Josh’s longest game lasting an intense 5.5 hours and ending in a draw. He also had the privilege of meeting Super GM Michael Adams and current Commonwealth Champion GM Daniel Fernandez, both from England, who were invited to compete in the Bob Wade Memorial Masters Tournament running alongside the event.
We are now looking ahead to what lies in store for Josh this year, with some very exciting opportunities on the horizon. At the top of the list, he has been selected as one of just four junior players from New Zealand to join an international youth development squad. This programme begins next weekend and includes online training with some of the world’s top coaches, totalling 400 hours of study over the next four months, followed by the opportunity for in-person training for the top 12 players in the squad.
Thank you again for your support.
Latest donations
Who's involved?
Page Q&A
Ask a question hereAny concerns?
Report this pageThank the donor
Your message will be displayed on the page and emailed to the donor.
Your new message will also be emailed to the donor.
Saving a blank entry will delete the current comment.