Search

Good morning and thank you for the invitation to address your annual conference. It is great to be here with so many of the people who make racing in New Zealand happen.

Having had this portfolio for nearly two years now, I’m impressed by the passion and commitment of the people involved at every level.

Over the last few months I’ve been attending the code conferences to talk about some of the recent issues and challenges facing the industry.

Racing Minister Nathan Guy today announced the appointment of Penny Mudford as Chair of the New Zealand Racing Safety Development Fund (RSDF).

“Penny has over 10 years’ experience in a range of governance roles both in the public and private sectors. She has strong mediation skills which will stand her in good stead in her role as chairperson,” says Mr Guy.

Good morning and thank you for the invitation to address your annual conference. This morning I’d like to talk briefly about some of the important developments since I attended your annual awards dinner last year.

Of course this week we saw the Melbourne Cup and New Zealanders spent $9.3 million on betting, a new record and up one percent from last year.

My pick was Voleuse do Coeurs, trained by a Kiwi and ridden by top New Zealand jockey James McDonald. Sadly she ran in 10th, so I hope no-one took my advice. Congratulations to the winner Fiorente.

Good morning and thank you for inviting me to open the 105^th Annual General Meeting of the New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association.

Can I acknowledge:

Racing Minister Nathan Guy today announced the appointment of Glenda Hughes as Independent Chairperson of the New Zealand Racing Board’s (NZRB’s) governing body.

Ms Hughes was appointed as Independent Chairperson following consultation with the racing industry.

The racing industry makes an important contribution to the New Zealand economy, generating around $1.6 billion annually and around 17000 jobs.

Nominations sought for Racing Board Chair

Minister for Racing Nathan Guy is calling for nominations for independent Chair of the New Zealand Racing Board.

“This is an important position as the head of the governing body for racing in New Zealand,” says Mr Guy.

“The New Zealand Racing Board is responsible for the promotion, organisation and development of the racing industry, and also provides racing and sports betting services through the TAB.

Racing Minister Nathan Guy has announced that Alistair Ryan has been appointed as Deputy Chairperson of the New Zealand Racing Board.

“Mr Ryan is currently a member of the New Zealand Racing Board and his appointment helps maintain stable governance,” says Mr Guy.

“In addition to his corporate governance expertise, Mr Ryan has strong finance and managerial experience.”

Mr Ryan’s appointment as Deputy Chairperson follows the High Court decision quashing the 2012 appointment of Dr Alan Jackson as independent Chairperson of the NZRB.

Applications are now open for the next round of the Racing Safety Development Fund, the Minister of Racing Nathan Guy has announced today.

“The Fund supports important projects around the country that improve racecourse health and safety standards,” says Mr Guy.

“In the past this has included projects like improvements to gates, stables, fences and grandstand repairs.

“There is $572,956 available available in this second round from a total figure of $1 million for 2012/13.