Call Looms On Future Of New Zealand Racing

GREYHOUND Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) has welcomed the news that the New Zealand Government will make a decision on the future of greyhound racing by the end of the year.

Earlier this week it was announced that the Coalition Government had included a determination on the future of the industry in its Quarter 4 Action Plan.

As well as making a call on the future of greyhound racing, the Cabinet will also introduce legislation to ensure the financial sustainability of the racing industry. 

Following the announcement, GRNZ issued a statement, welcoming the news that a decision will be made. 

"The uncertainty of being under review for the last three years has undermined industry confidence, adversely affected the mental well being of our participants and impacted on investment decisions required across all areas of the sport," the statement read. 

"The impending decision is therefore timely and necessary. 

"GRNZ and the wider greyhound industry have made significant changes since the 2021 Robertson Review. Concerns raised in previous reports have been addressed, with greyhound racing leading the way in the racing industry in New Zealand with many of our welfare programmes. 

"Traceability, reducing raceday euthanasias and increasing rehoming are three key areas where GRNZ has listened to concerns and acted to make our programmes and systems sustainable, robust and industry-leading. 

"GRNZ is committed to ongoing improvement, and will continue to put significant time and resources into ensuring that animal welfare is at the heart of everything the industry does. 

"At the end of every quarter, we have provided, and will continue to provide, the Minister for Racing with comprehensive industry updates, containing statistics and evidence which transparently exemplify our ongoing commitment to animal welfare. 

"Greyhound racing also makes an important contribution to the New Zealand Racing Industry. 

"GRNZ firmly maintains that the sport has a long and sustainable future in our country. 

"We look forward to a decision on the industry's future that recognises the significant progress made, and one which will give industry participants the confidence required to continue making a positive contribution to New Zealand's economic well being."