There are a number of pub poker leagues operating in New Zealand. This is my attempt to list them all, and the areas in which they operate, with the emphasis on my own area (Wellington). Feedback/corrections etc from people actually involved in these leagues is appreciated and encouraged.
Active leagues:
National Pub Poker League
This Australian based league is the largest and best established in New Zealand. There are numerous venues in Christchurch and the Canterbury region, where it is the dominant league, and plenty in Auckland. Smaller towns with an NPPL presence include Hokitika, Queenstown, Ashburton and Temuka. There are 7 venues in the Wellington region, including one in the Hutt Valley.
Venue winners qualify for a monthly regional final, from which you can qualify for the National Final, usually held in Auckland or Christchurch.
Australian Poker League
One of the Big Two in Australia, along with the NPPL, but a relative newcomer in New Zealand. So far only operating in various towns around the North Island, with none in Auckland. No venues in Wellington city itself, but one each in Porirua, Johnsonville, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt.
A unique feature of this league is the "player of the month" award.
Super League Poker
Another Australian based league, where it is particularly active in Sydney. In New Zealand, it is most active in the Hutt Valley. Venues in Lower Hutt, Petone, Stokes Valley, Upper Hutt, Masterton, Foxton and Te Kuiti.
Poker Fun
A small Palmerston North based league which also runs games in Masterton, Martinborough and two in Wellington. This league is highly regarded by its followers, and in 2010 it was awarded the inaugral "League of the Year" title by
pokernz.com.
Kiwi Poker League
The main league operating in the Otago region, with venues also in a few Canterbury and Southland towns.
New Zealand Series of Poker
Based in Hamilton, this is the dominant league in the Waikato region, and also has a few venues in the Bay of Plenty.
Jackpot Poker
An Auckland based league, running in about 18 venues.
New Zealand Poker League
A new league founded by well known Auckland player Jarm Joseph, with sponsors including Sky City and Pokernz.com. Operates in several venues in the Auckland region.
Ultimate Poker League
A small league running at a few venues in Nelson and Richmond.
New Zealand Poker Club
An offshoot of the Pockets 8 Ball Club. Based in Tokoroa, with branches in Glen Eden, Rotorua and Pukekohe.
Southern Poker League
A newly established league catering to Invercargill players.
Defunct leagues:
Aotearoa Poker series
This league used to operate several venues in Wellington and the Hutt Valley, and a couple in Taranaki. As of 2011 it has gone into recess.
Premier Poker League
A small league which operated in the Nelson area.
Network Poker League
Australian owned league which appears to have collapsed in 2008 after they failed to provide national finals winner Hayden Hape with the promised entry into the $10,000 Main Event in Las Vegas.
Saturn Poker League
A Dannevirke-based league founded by Hayden Hape following his departure from the Network Poker League. However the domain www.saturnpokerleague.co.nz has expired, and this league no longer appears to be operating.
The National Poker League (TNPL)
This league used to operate throughout the country before going bust in 2008. In Wellington, its most popular game was held at the Bull and Bear on the Plimmer's Steps; this game is now run independently by the venue.
Poker Nights
A small league which operated in Auckland from about 2007 to 2008.
