MEDIA RELEASE
21 August 2026
ESTABLISHMENT BOARD TO LEAD MAJOR RACING INDUSTRY REFORM
TAB New Zealand has announced the formation of an Establishment Board to lead the most significant reform of New Zealand racing in a generation.
The new Board brings together TAB NZ, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand to deliver a single reform programme for the industry. Its formation follows the report released in May by Sir Peter Vela, Chair of the TAB NZ Advisory Committee, which found structural reform was critical to secure the industry's future.
The new Board is a time-bound implementation body. It is funded by and will report to TAB NZ, which is accountable to the Minister for Racing, the Rt Hon. Winston Peters.
TAB NZ Chair Bill Birnie said the Board represented a landmark moment for the industry. “This is the most important step New Zealand racing has taken in decades and an enormous amount of work was undertaken to get here.
“The right mechanism is now in place to evaluate the best structures for New Zealand racing and how they can sustainably deliver growth for participants. The opportunities for racing in this country are substantial and the Board will consider a diverse range of options.”
The Board's members bring extensive racing, governance and commercial experience. Greg Tomlinson of the TAB NZ Advisory Committee will serve on the Board as an independent member while Dean McKenzie, who chaired the Ministerial Advisory Committee established following the Messara Report and the Racing Industry Transition Agency, has been appointed Independent Chair.
They are joined on the Board by TAB NZ Deputy Chair Wendie Harvey and TAB NZ Chief Commercial and Industry Officer Jason Fleming. NZTR and HRNZ will each appoint two directors to the Board.
Birnie said the Board's calibre reflected the importance of the work ahead. “Racing supports tens of thousands of livelihoods and communities right across the country, and it deserves a structure built for the next generation. The focus is now on delivery.”
TAB NZ Chief Executive Nick Roberts said racing now had a clear path forward that the industry could be confident in.
“The Board's focus is reform for the benefit of both the thoroughbred and standardbred codes. We expect it in short order to pick up the Advisory Committee’s report and determine what the industry’s governance should look like.
“The mandate is clear: minimise the administrative cost of delivering racing while unlocking investment in critical parts of the industry's ecosystem.
“New Zealand racing has enormous potential and compelling strategic assets that can deliver more for participants, racing fans and the economy. The work now underway provides an opportunity to build a stronger, more sustainable industry for the benefit of all Kiwis.”
NZTR Chair Paul Humphries said: “Thoroughbred racing is a vital part of New Zealand's sporting, economic and cultural fabric, and we are committed to helping secure its long-term success. The Establishment Board will provide a disciplined process to assess the opportunities, test a range of options and determine what will deliver the best outcomes for the industry.”
HRNZ Chair Grant Jarrold said: “HRNZ welcomes the formation of the Establishment Board and the opportunity to work collaboratively with TAB NZ and NZTR on this important programme of work. This is a significant piece of work for the future of racing in New Zealand, and its success will depend on genuine collaboration, strong governance and a shared focus on delivering sustainable outcomes for the wider industry.”
ENDS
ABOUT TAB NZ
TAB NZ is a statutory body established under the Racing Industry Act 2020. Its objectives are to facilitate and promote betting for the benefit of New Zealand racing and sport while minimising the risks of problem and underage gambling. TAB NZ’s betting operations are delivered by sports-betting and gaming group Entain under a 25-year strategic partnering arrangement that began in June 2023.
For more information please contact:
Kate Walsh
kate@katewalsh.co.nz (mailto:kate@katewalsh.co.nz)
021 858 619
