National takes a big bet on the Racing industry

Partnering with TAB, NZ on Air and the racing sector to explore options to promote New Zealand racing and breeding and recommence Trackside Radio are among the components of the new Racing Policy announced by the National Party today.

Party Leader Judith Collins said that National is proud of New Zealand’s history of excellence in the racing history and hence will ensure that the industry is not put out to pasture.

Proud track record

“Today, our racing industry employs more than 15,000 people directly and supports many more jobs indirectly. Racing contributes in excess of $1.6 billion a year to our economy and is a significant export earner. High quality New Zealand bloodstock showcases our country on the international stage, with over half of the Group One winners racing in Hong Kong in 2019 coming via the Karaka sales,” she said.

The Party’s Racing Spokesperson Ian McKelvie said that the country is lucky to have a legacy of strong racing communities and modern infrastructure.

He said that there was no reason why New Zealand’s racing industry cannot compete internationally and be recognised as world class.

“We have the best breeders, the best trainers, the best strappers, the best jockeys and the best supporters in the world. We want to ensure that they are operating in an industry that can set them up for success on the world stage. We want to encourage Kiwis to get out and support their local racing club and stimulate their local economy,” he said.

Removing barriers

Ms Collins said that if elected to govern in the ensuing election (October 17, 2020), National will ensure an environment where there are less barriers to success and more economic stimulation for New Zealand’s proud racing industry. A vote for National is a safe bet for the future of New Zealand racing.

“We will repeal the Resource Management Act (RMA) and replace it with legislation that enables better utilisation of existing racing assets, while supporting the industry to upgrade our racing infrastructure. We will also encourage the development of modern, fit-for-purpose racing facilities that provide the scale and services to support a profitable industry with improved stakes,” she said.

Ms Collins said that her government will support the industry to establish centres of racing excellence, with a focus on education and training, to create a clearer pathway for the next generation of racing leaders to enter the industry.

Bringing international skills

She said that a National government will include the racing industry in the Party’s proposed Primary Sector Visa, to enable fast-tracked access to international skills, networks and racing knowledge.

“We will Implement the Racing Industry Act and ensure that appropriate appointments are made to the Boards of TAB NZ and Racing NZ who will drive the industry forward.  We will also conduct a serious review of the tax and depreciation rules for bloodstock and make adjustments where we find they are acting as a barrier to investment,” she said.

Mr McKelvie said that there was a need to remove the inconsistencies between the regulation of racing and other forms of gaming.

“We also must ensure that there is opportunity for a series of racing events to feature as part of our planned New Zealand Tourism Festival, to get Kiwis back to the races,” he said.

Impressive history

The National Party Racing Policy said that the New Zealand racing industry dates back 175 years, with a history of excellence in breeding, training, jockeys and drivers.

“Unfortunately, the sector has not always received the support or acknowledgement it deserves. National acknowledges the importance of the racing industry to New Zealand and will bring a sense of urgency to revitalising this important and productive part of our economy,” it said.