2025 Strategy

NZTR’s 2025 Strategy sets a practical plan to strengthen and modernise New Zealand racing - on and off the track. It recognises the scale of our contribution to jobs and regional economies, and the need to move with urgency, clarity and unity.

The strategy focuses on four priorities and the impact each will deliver in 2025.

We’ve captured the essentials in a short video. Please take a moment to watch and consider how your role, your Club, or your organisation contributes to this plan.

1) A Global Reputation for Excellence

We will be admired not only for the performance of our horses, but for how well we care for them and our people.

What we’ll do:

  • Deliver a world-leading welfare strategy, putting the horse at the centre of every decision.
  • Lift training facilities and track infrastructure to global standards.
  • Grow international awareness of NZ racing and breeding success.
  • Support our workforce with clear career pathways, mentoring and wellbeing programmes.

Impact in 2025-26: safer, more consistent racing surfaces; stronger skills and retention; increased global demand for NZ horses and bloodlines.

2) A Sport that Captivates the Nation

Racing should feel accessible to every New Zealander.

What we’ll do:

  • Stage marquee events, such as The NZB Kiwi and The Grand Tour, at a world-class level.
  • Launch a data-led fan strategy across digital experiences and storytelling.
  • Make ownership easier, more personal and more rewarding.
  • Digitise participant services from registrations to traceability.

Impact in 2025-26: bigger audiences on-course and online; simpler pathways to ownership; faster, easier admin for participants; stronger community connection.
 

3) One Industry, Winning Together

To thrive, we need one strategy, one voice, one industry.

What we’ll do:

  • Implement a simpler governance model and operating structure.
  • Lift professional standards across licensing, training and conduct.
  • Engage openly with Owners, Breeders, Clubs and participants - every voice counts.
  • Embed innovation and collaboration at every level.

Impact in 2025-26: clearer decisions, less duplication, better alignment on calendars and venues, and higher standards across the board.
 

4) A Sustainable Industry

Sustainability is about legacy; financial, environmental and social.

What we’ll do:

  • Grow and diversify revenue beyond wagering.
  • Launch the NZTR Industry Investment Fund with full transparency.
  • Establish regional operating hubs to improve delivery and efficiency.
  • Align with environmental and social goals, giving back to the communities we serve.

Impact in 2025-26: more resilient Club operations, targeted reinvestment where it matters most, improved regional capability and stronger public confidence.

What this means for 2025:

  • Better racing, safely delivered through upgraded surfaces, facilities and welfare settings.
  • Bigger audiences and value via premium events and modern digital engagement that attract new fans, owners and sponsors.
  • Simpler, smarter operations with streamlined governance and digitised services that save time and reduce cost.
  • Stronger future economics from diversified revenue and transparent investment.
  • Proudly New Zealand, globally admired - a sport our people can be proud of and the world respects.