Racing Minister Annette King says she has been delighted and surprised by the degree of unanimity and level of goodwill
in the combined recommendations from three racing taskforces she established in June.
"Since I became Racing Minister, people have told me again and again racing is too divided to get its act together. I
never believed that, and the recommendations prove just what the industry can achieve when all sections work together."
Mrs King formed the taskforces, representing the northern, central and southern regions, after a community racing forum
in Parliament on June 1. She appointed three people from outside the industry, retired judge Ken Mason, Mike Behrens QC
and former Speaker Sir Kerry Burke, as independent taskforce chairs.
The taskforces were asked to provide recommendations in three areas, administration, funding and future development.
"The taskforces represented a real cross-section of the industry. It's not surprising some recommendations are radical
and far-reaching, but certainly some of the cynics, who said it would be a waste of time, will be surprised the industry
can agree on paths for development. The cynics will just have to eat their own chaff."
Mrs King said the recommendations basically fell into two areas. "Some are recommendations the Government will have to
consider in terms of legislation. Others are for the industry itself to implement.
"The general theme of the recommendations is strikingly positive. It's quite clear the industry is looking to cast off
some of the chains that have fettered it, and to get on with running its own business. I'm sure there is plenty of
talent available in New Zealand to enable it to do so."
Mrs King said she wanted to thank all those who attended the original community racing forum and the members of the
taskforces, and particularly wanted to thank the three independent chairs for the enthusiasm with which they had tackled
the issues and brought a range of viewpoints together.
"They have done a great job. My job is now to give these recommendations the prompt and serious attention they deserve."
The taskforce report and recommendations are attached, and can also be viewed on the Minister's website,
www.executive.govt.nz/minister/king
RACING TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS SEPTEMBER 2000
Introduction
This is a report for the Minister for Racing, the Honourable Annette King, on recommendations made by the Racing Task
Forces.
These were set up as the Northern, Central and Southern Task Forces to identify future directions for the racing
industry and to provide information on which new legislation could be drafted. The members of the Task Forces came from
the three codes, the Racing Industry Board and the Totalisator Agency Board. The harness and thoroughbred
representatives came from each grade of venues. The chairmen were independent in the sense that none had any
professional involvement with the racing industry.
After public notification of the purposes of the Task Forces, each met independently of one another in July and August
2000 and made recommendations developed from submissions received (each Task Force considered the submissions made to
all three) and from the expertise of its members.
The procedure and content of the individual meetings was at the discretion of each Task Force.
The basis of the relationship between those who made submissions and the individuals on the Task Forces, was the
principle that the welfare of the racing industry was paramount. Thus those Task Force members who came from a
particular part of the industry were not there to just be an advocate for their interest. They were expected to be
objective while using their expertise. Similar guidelines were set for those who made submissions.
The recommendations made by each Task Force were considered at a meeting of the three chairmen.
This report is the result of the procedure described. The final recommendations come from a distillation of the written
submissions and the deliberations of the Task Forces. Account was taken of constant themes that came through the
submissions as well as of the expertise of those involved.
The terms of reference were
I. To examine the New Zealand Racing Industry Board's funding policy, to consider whether the policy was achieving
its stated aims and to consider alternatives
II. To examine the administration of racing, including that of statutory boards, the three code bodies (Greyhounds,
Harness and Thoroughbred) and the clubs, to consider the appropriate level of administration with particular reference
to cost and efficiency and to consider the benefits of any suggested changes.
Ill. To identify strategies to enhance the future development of the industry with particular reference to ownership,
sponsorship and investment.
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In practice it was found that these terms overlapped so that future development was the base for recommendations in all
areas. Also Task Force Members were aware of suggestions for change already mooted, such as a new Racing Act.
Submissions were received from individual interests, clubs, groups of clubs, the TAB, the Racing Industry Board and
owners and breeders interests. Not all submissions dealt with each of the terms of reference and many in the nature of
complaints about existing conditions did not suggest remedies. Some submissions were very detailed and extensive. The
Task Forces were enjoined to give to the Minister an indication of the level of support within the Industry for
suggestions made within the terms of reference and thus a balance has been struck between the detailed and the general
submissions to achieve clarity and a fair reflection of their thrust.
Background
The submissions showed that the two purposes of the enquiry, namely to provide information on which new legislation
could be drafted and to identify future directions, were relevant to the Racing Industry's current situation. Racing is
seeking independence and efficiency in administration at all levels. It wants freedom from statutory and unreasonable
financial constraints. It wants to compete with other forms of gambling and to preserve and increase its employment and
social advantages.
In July 2000 information from the TAB for the Task Forces showed:
Racing was "treading water" in terms of turnover;
Racing turnover was static when the gaming market was expanding. The gaming market increased by 157% in 6 years
while TAB Sport/Racing increased by 27% in the same period;
Turnover targets were not being met by the industry;
The decline in horse numbers was below the critical mass needed to support the meeting licences issued;
The industry was fragmented and struggling to find the balance between being a viable entertainment business and
a club-based sport;
The current financial performance could not be sustained just by doing more of the same;
Starts in gallops races had declined by 23% in the last 10 years and in harness races by 13%;
Greyhound turnover had almost doubled since 1993/94 through an increased number of licences;
Oncourse sales, adjusted for inflation, had declined by $500 million over 25 years.
The overall tenor of the submissions was that change to existing structures and methods is essential if the Racing
Industry is to survive and grow.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Administration:
1. That the Racing Industry Board and the Totalisator Agency Board be amalgamated.
The Racing Industry Board replaced the Racing Authority in 1992. It is charged by statute with creating fundamental
policies that promote the economic welfare of racing and of those who derive their livelihood from the industry. The
existence of the Task Forces and the criticisms of the present state of the industry are an indication of the perceived
degree of success. It seems that ironically, statute did not give the Board the ability to direct the industry to
achieve the statutory policies.
The Totalisator Agency Board has been independent of the Racing Industry Board. The TAB and its management, the RIB and
the governing bodies of the three codes work together in the formulation of policy but the arrangement is no more than
that. There has been a perception, particularly within clubs, that there is no machinery to regulate the parts the TAB
and the RIB actually play in the formulation of policy.
Before the Task Forces met, the industry was well acquainted with the proposed new Racing Act which enables amalgamation
and many submissions saw it as something already decided. There was general approval for the amalgamation proposal
outlined to the three codes by Sir Geoffrey Palmer
The industry wishes to see what it considers as its ownership of the TAB, approved by legislation. The TAB has always
claimed to act in the best interests of the racing industry and defends itself strongly in this area but some clubs in
particular do not agree.
2. That the new Board thus created, comprise seven members appointed: one chairperson, independent of the industry,
appointed by the code presidents; three persons, one each appointed by the executive of each code; three more appointed
by the presidents of each code and the independent chairperson acting in committee;
There was a minority preference for three members to be appointed from the executive of each code, which was the
original suggestion but the clear preference was for the idea that while the executive of each code should appoint one
member that appointee should not be restricted to coming from the particular executive. There was support for the view
that the right person for each code need not necessarily be on its executive.
3. That there be a new Racing Act whose scheme should be to give the new Board autonomy and the codes freedom from
statutory direction except that contained in the directive powers of the board.
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There was a clear desire in the submissions and views of the Task Forces that the industry should become as much as
possible its own driver and regulator The clear point was made that the Racing Act was passed when racing was almost the
only form of legalised gambling. Since then, other forms of legal gambling have emerged which do not have the
restrictions contained in the Racing Act. Thus the industry is seen to be unable to function competitively and
efficiently. In fact, even widely supported changes cannot be implemented quickly because a statutory amendment is often
required.
4. That the new Board immediately initiate an analysis of the benefits of integrating the delivery of racing
services across the three codes and implement integration if viable.
There was a clear preference for integration on the grounds of efficiency alone but the Task Forces in particular
thought that the detail required must be the responsibility of the new Board. It was recognised that some of the
difficulties experienced in such activities as setting race dates and promoting a growth calendar had arisen from
differences between the codes and clubs on the one hand and the RIB and TAB on the other. It was thought that with
amalgamation, a new Board and recommended code representation could reduce and even eliminate the difficulties.
There were two submissions that made suggestions for administrative efficiencies that received approval or were not
criticised as being unhelpful These were:
The creation of a racing port on the internet
A central banking fund for the industry
5. That each code initiates or continues with an analysis of the benefits and disadvantages of a regional basis for
racing administration.
It was evident from the fact that submissions often came from regional groupings of clubs that this issue, from an
administrative aspect, was a live topic. Essentially submissions encouraged co-operation in the race day organization by
clubs within each code and across the codes. It is difficult to see how, for example, one administration in each region
working for all the codes could not be economic and efficient, but the Task Forces felt that the final decision should
be made by the code.
It was considered that the recommendations would result in better industry control, flexibility and efficiency.
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Funding Policy
I That the three codes, Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhounds, be bulk funded.
The existing funding policy came into force in 1997. Its long-term objectives were to
Increase returns to stake-holders
Develop a strong and viable network of strategic racing venues
Generate a new investment and involvement in racing
Effectively the flow of funding is from the Racing Industry Board to the clubs. The policy links funding to a percentage
of off-course turnover based on venue category and licence type. Racing venues are categorised taking into consideration
their location, the size of nearby horse and human populations, their racing surface, their proximity to other venues
and the value of other venues as well as a number of other factors specific to venues and/or regions. Clubs receive a
single revenue stream directly related to both turnover performance, venue category and meeting classification.
The submissions and the Task Forces were of the general view that the policy needed to be changed. There was not
agreement on the degree of success of the present funding policy and it would be simplistic to say that the general call
for bulk funding of codes meant that the present funding policy was thought to be failing. The reason for change was
more a philosophical one in that there was a desire for codes to be in charge of their own futures. Thus this
recommendation for bulk funding changes policy by giving the codes the money for distribution to clubs.
2. That venue grading be abolished and each code be funded as follows: Greyhounds, a flat rate to each club;
Harness, a flat rate to each club with provision made for group, premier and feature racing with full allocation of
costs to clubs; Thoroughbred, a race-day licensed tiered percentage payment.
There was significant criticism in the submissions from within the codes as opposed to the Boards, of venue
classification. Venue classification (grading venues A, B, C, or D and in principle funding them accordingly) was seen
as condemning the lowly rated venues to an unattractive funding formula. While the Boards felt that this criticism was
more perceived than real, the submissions and to some extent the Task Forces, agreed that there were positive reasons
for abolishing the classification. In practice now, the majority of the lower graded venues have been receiving funding
in excess of that set for their grade on some of their racedays. Along with the criticism of venue grading was a
preference for the funding of race days wherever they are held. The race day licensed tiered percentage payment for the
gallops code would of the lower graded venues have been receiving funding in excess of that set for their grade on some
of their racedays. Along with the criticism of venue grading was a preference for the funding of race days wherever they
are held. The race day licensed tiered percentage payment for the gallops code would of the lower graded venues have
been receiving funding in excess of that set for their grade on some of their racedays. Along with the criticism of
venue grading was a preference for the funding of race days wherever they are held. The race day licensed tiered
percentage payment for the gallops code would provide greater flexibility and opportunity for smaller venues to promote
community racing to their advantage. A tiered race
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day formula would recognise premier, weekend/public holiday meetings and other industry or community days. One Task
Force, in recognising the criticism of venue classification, was unanimously in favour of this recommendation. Even
though the other Task Forces did not consider such a suggestion, the recommendation is well founded in the submissions.
It is a recommendation that mainly affects Thoroughbred racing. Greyhounds have always paid out clubs on a flat rate and
Harness is moving towards that in line with its own mission statement.
These two recommendations, for bulk funding and the abolition of venue categories, are seen as a package.
As to whether the present funding policy or a changed one will achieve its stated aims, there was unanimity that a
funding policy in itself would not save the racing industry from stagnation. Many put it that changing a funding formula
was just cutting the cake up in a different way. There is some concern, for example, that if in effect a smaller club is
to receive more money than it does now to promote feature racing, it would be money taken from the stakes fund of a
bigger club which would mean that the attractiveness of that bigger club as a place to race would diminish.
There was unanimity that there has to be more money put into the racing industry and that there is no sufficient source
from within the industry.
Future Development
1. That racing be given access to gaming machine funds to be divided between the codes in the same proportion as
their bulk funding is to off-course turnover.
There was strong support in the submissions and Task Forces for access to gaming machine funds. It seemed that recent
developments with gaming machines within the industry concentrated the submissions in this area. An income stream from
outside the industry was seen as essential to survival. Specifically the codes see increased stakes as the key to
halting the fall in the average acceptors per race. If this is done, owning, breeding, training and betting will become
attractive again. There was unanimity in the view that the industry itself could not generate the necessary income to do
this as well as provide for the maintenance and development of venues even after rationalisation.
One Task Force, in recognising the need for gaming machine proceeds, recommended that instead of the industry operating
its own gaming machines, racing be allocated a levy of 1.5% of the yearly national gaming machine turnover to be used
for the “development and enhancement” of the industry. It further recommended that in return for the allocation of these
funds, the industry not be granted gaming machine licenses, nor would gaming machines be sited at racing venues or TAB
outlets. It is emphasised that this idea is a minority view in that it did not emerge from the submissions as such and
was debated by only one Task Force. That group felt, however, that it was an alternative that needed wider thought and
discussion because there may be strong sentiment in Government against the unchecked proliferation of gaming machines.
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Whatever remedy is adopted, there was strong opinion in submissions and from the Task Forces that Racing was losing
ground against other forms of gambling yet it was seen to have positive social and economic affects which other forms of
gambling lacked.
2. That the new board immediately initiate a full analysis and review of the present use of venues and training
tracks and then give consideration to a restriction in the number of venues.
This recommendation affects Thoroughbred Racing particularly and there was strong support in the submissions for
reducing the number of venues. While there were specific suggestions for numbers, (one Task Force recommended no more
than 30 Gallops venues in the country, one submission recommended just one venue) the Task Forces recognised that the
analysis should be carried out without delay. There was a strong view that such analysis would prove that reduction was
the only option. It was acknowledged that over the years, a number of enquiries had recommended a reduction in venues
but nothing had been done. It was underlined that a venue reduction did not mean a club dissolution. This topic was seen
as one of the most difficult because of the history and traditions associated with "threatened" venues, but the Task
Forces accepted as did a majority of the submissions that the time had come to rationalise venue numbers.
As part of the analysis it was seen as imperative that the funding of strategic training centres be examined as well as
the importance of a "country" racing structure.
3. That broodmares be written off in full, starting at age 10 and down to $1 at age 12. That a 100% deduction be
offered in the year a stallion purchased in New Zealand by a New Zealand taxpayer is first used for breeding provided
the stallion remains in New Zealand.
There was general support for the establishment of parity in ownership/breeder incentive schemes with overseas
arrangements. The fall-off in interest in breeding and ownership is one of the dramatic aspects of the difficulties
faced by the industry. This recommendation is seen as moving to a regeneration encouraged as well by better stakes and
industry rationalisation.
4. That horse codes examine the better utilisation of their product so that horses can move up and down classes
under a system that is fair to owner and bettor.
This recommendation was developed from a concern that came through the submissions about horses initially succeeding but
then being unsuccessful in the class to which they have been promoted, thus having little chance to win stake money. The
Task Forces recognised that what is essentially the re-handicapping of horses has been looked at from time to time
without a solution. It is a problem directly affecting ownership and investment. The codes must find a way to always
give their owners a reasonable possibility of winning.
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Note
While the Task Forces were particularly directed under the terms of reference for future development, to consider
ownership, sponsorship and investment, the topic of taxation in the racing industry was specifically outside the terms
of reference. It was obvious that taxation is a very hot issue within the industry. A significant number of submissions
wanted a tax reform which, in effect, would create equality between all forms of gambling.
5. A number of suggestions under the heading of future development were made in the submissions. There was general
discussion about them and some were seen to be in place or under consideration anyway. It is thought practical to list
them as a record of what the Task Forces and submissions expect from the Government, the new Board and the codes:
Developing of media alliances and improvement of mainstream coverage
Training for careers within the industry
Developing overseas sponsorship
Reviewing the levy on horses exported
Developing contemporary technology
Looking at a percentage of stakes won going to breeders
Expanding the "free-to-air" Trackside service
Further developing opportunities for twilight and/or Sunday meetings
Conclusion
The submissions, their consideration and these recommendations have two aims: to create a basis for legislation and to
confirm for the policy makers and administrators in the racing industry, a path for development.
Apart from the new Racing Act and its consequences, the submissions and Task Forces were strongly of the view that the
most significant thing to be done for the industry was the securing of a new income stream. This could be done by
allocation of gaming machine licences or moneys.
It is to be seen that there were not a lot of recommendations made under the heading of ownership, sponsorship
and investment," given that there was a direction that these topics in particular be looked at. It has to be emphasised
again that there was a strong opinion in submissions and amongst Task Force members that at the present time the racing
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industry does not attract in particular, owners and investors because its returns are not competitive enough.
The submissions and deliberations of the Task Forces emphasise a willingness for critical self-examination within the
industry and a determination to effect rationalisation.
The submissions were seen to be strongly advocating that the restoration of racing to its place as an industry which
provided entertainment, profit, and employment, and encouraged tourism and regional development, could only be good for
New Zealand.
It must be emphasised however, that the industry needs prompt attention. It is felt that notwithstanding the probability
of new legislation and reforms, there may be delay with implementation simply because time is required, for example, to
pass legislation. The Task Forces firmly believe that such of these recommendations that can be acted upon now, should
be attended to by Government, the existing Boards and the codes, without delay.
Mike Behrens QC (for Racing Task Forces Chairmen) 27 September 2000.
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