New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is modernising its licensing processes and rolling out a new Licensing Policy, effective 1 February 2024, accompanied by revisions to the Rules of Racing which are currently out for consultation. This communication aims to outline the upcoming changes and their implications for both current and new Licence Holders.
NZTR's aim is to have a smooth transition into the new Licensing Policy and it will be business as usual for Licence Holders.
To begin with, the key updates are summarised below to aid Licence Holders in navigating the changes that will impact them the most.
Qualifications
NZTR's proposed licensing model seeks to modernise its licensing system and improve minimum standards, making it more attractive and relevant to new participants. To do this, the model:
- Incorporates carefully designed training and education requirements for each of the licence categories.
- Creates clear pathways for participants to pursue a desired career.
Career pathways are an important component of the new licensing model for NZTR. These pathways follow clearly defined steps and comprise both experience and education components. The education components are certified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and are recognised nationally.
More information about licensing qualifications will be available to view on the NZTR website in due course.
Continuing Professional Development
NZTR now has a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Policy. To renew or obtain a licence, Licence Holders must meet certain professional development and performance standards. This is a new requirement for getting or renewing a licence. The details of what's needed for each type of licence are in the CPD Policy, set to be released in February 2024.
NZTR's aim is to keep the CPD process simple and enhance its participants by helping industry professionals keep on top of the requirements for their roles and changes.
Most CPD content will be visual followed by a few simple questions to confirm participants' understanding of the module. Many areas of the various professions are continuously changing, such as employment conditions, welfare standards and rider health standards. Modern technology will allow CPD to be completed effectively and far more easily than previous methods.
More information about NZTR’s CPD Policy will be distributed in the new year.
Updates to Current and New Licence Types
Trainers’ Licences: The Trainers’ Licences will now be divided into two categories, replacing the prior three designations (Public, Permit to Train, and Owner-Trainers). The Class A Trainers' Licence is granted to Trainers primarily dedicated to Thoroughbred training. These Trainers are authorised to employ an Assistant Trainer and/or an Apprentice Jockey and are expected to oversee more than 50 raceday starters per season. Class B Trainers will no longer have limitations on ownership or the number of horses they train, although it is anticipated that Trainers falling into this category may have fewer than 50 raceday starters per season. Individuals holding a Class C Trainers' Licence will be automatically upgraded to a Class B Licence with the associated entitlements. All existing Trainers' Licences, including current Apprenticeships and partnerships, will seamlessly transition into the new licensing framework without alterations or additional requirements outlined in the Policy, except for the mandate of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Pre-Trainers' Licence: A new licence for Pre-Trainers to ensure traceability and the welfare of racehorses in their care. NZTR will provide more communications on the Pre-Trainers' Licence in early 2024.
Assistant Trainers’ Licence: NZTR is introducing a career pathway for individuals aspiring to become fully qualified Trainers. This licence will empower Assistant Trainers to share the day-to-day duties with the employing Trainer, including responsibilities such as nominating, declaring riders, and handling stable returns.
Stable Assistants’ Licence: Recognises the difference between full-time and part-time Stablehands. Full-time Stablehands can follow a pathway to becoming Trainers, while part-time ones will be issued a Stable Assistants’ Licence.
Trackwork Rider Assessment: Formalisation of Slow and Fast Trackwork Riders’ Licences, which were already in practice.
Digital Licence IDs
NZTR is pleased to announce a transition to Digital Licence IDs in 2024. After a series of successful trials, NZTR will begin to issue Digital Licence IDs to new applicants from 1 February 2024, with all current Licence Holders being issued a Digital Licence ID when they renew for the 2024/25 season.
Licence Holders which will be held on their phone via Apple or Google Wallet for iOS and Android, just like a debit card, or ticket.
Next month, NZTR will release a full ‘how to guide’ for Digital Licence IDs, including how to download the Licence onto a phone.
NZTR has made it as seamless as possible, and even for those who aren’t technically minded, it will be a simple process to follow. Licence Holders will be able to use their Digital Licence ID when asked to provide their Licence ID at racing Clubs, tracks, swabbing facilities, stable audits, or any other scenario where it's needed.
If Licence Holders require a physical Licence ID card, there will be an additional administration fee of NZ$30.
Updates to Licence Fees
NZTR has reviewed the current licensing fee structure ahead of next season, noting that the licensing fee structure has not been reviewed since 2017. Licence Holders can anticipate adjustments under the new fee schedule which is available to view by clicking the button below, as well as displayed under the Licensing section of the NZTR website.
View the new fee schedule below.
NZTR’s overall revenue has decreased based on the new licensing fee restructure. The purpose behind this restructuring is to align with existing licensing standards, emphasising that it is not a manoeuvre for increasing revenue.
The updates to Licence fees will come into effect from 1 February 2024. NZTR will let Licence Holders know about these changes well before they happen, in order to allow participants to get ready for them.
Email Addresses
To obtain or renew a licence for the upcoming season, all Licence Holders must have a valid email address. This is crucial for receiving Continuing Professional Development (CDP) content and staying informed with the latest updates from NZTR.
What's next?
NZTR remains committed to providing continued support and clear communication to Licence Holders as these changes are implemented.
NZTR’s Licensing team will be distributing communications over the coming months, providing updates surrounding key dates and requirements of NZTR's new licensing structure, as well as general requirements around current and new Licensing Policies.
Should Licence Holders require support or want further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to the NZTR Licensing team below.
Matthew Williamson
Head of Licensing and Stakeholder Relationships
Mob: +64 27 444 1852
Email Matt
Abby Fawcett
Licensing / Health and Safety Officer
Tel: +64 4 576 6279
Mob: +64 27 207 4734
Email Abby