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Racing Minister Nathan Guy will join New Zealand racing industry leaders at a series of regional meetings this week.

He will be joined by the New Zealand Racing Board’s Chairman Dr Alan Jackson and Chief Executive Chris Bayliss to discuss the issues and opportunities facing racing.

“This is an opportunity for people involved at the grassroots of racing to meet with me and the new leadership team at the Racing Board.

Chairman Pat O’Brien and Harness Racing New Zealand Board Members, club delegates and invited guests, I want to thank you for the invitation to address Harness Racing's annual conference.

I want to acknowledge representatives of the New Zealand Racing Board, in particular interim Chief Executive Officer Bill Colgan.  I know that Bill will shortly be heading back to Australia.  I would like to thank him for his hard work at the New Zealand Racing Board over the last few years. 

Racing Minister Nathan Guy today announced the appointment of Dr Alan Jackson, Greg McCarthy, Rod Croon, Graham Cooney and Alistair Ryan to the New Zealand Racing Board’s (NZRB) governing body.

“The board has a crucial strategic and leadership role to help racing reach its potential as a strong and sustainable industry,” says Mr Guy.

“Racing is a major industry with a turnover of around $1.6 billion and supporting almost 9000 fulltime equivalent jobs.

Minister for Racing Nathan Guy has announced that 22 projects to improve safety at New Zealand racecourses will be receiving grants totalling $508,826.95.

“The Racing Safety Development Fund provides $1 million a year for projects that improve on-course health and safety, with matching dollar-for-dollar contributions from racing clubs.

“This year’s second funding round has supported a wide range of infrastructure projects including power supply upgrade, replacement greyhound kennels and parade ring fencing.

The Minister for Racing Nathan Guy has announced that applications for the next round of the Racing Safety Development Fund are now open.

“This Fund supports projects that improve facilities and upgrade the safety standards at racecourses,” says Mr Guy.

“All racing clubs and the racing code bodies are invited to submit applications for funding, with $508,826 available in this second round from a total figure of $1 million for 2011/12.