The New Zealand Chess Federation is calling for government funding to help keep up with the growing popularity of the game.
Federation president Paul Spiller says they have problems getting money because chess is not classed as a sport so it cannot get help from Sport & Recreation New Zealand (SPARC).
Mr Spiller says without funding it is hard to meet demands for coaching in schools, run tournaments and represent New Zealand overseas.
He says the level of interest in chess is rising, with about 6000 students playing in Auckland alone.
Mr Spiller says the federation approached SPARC under the previous Labour-led Government without success, but it plans to try again to see if anything has changed under the National Government.
