13 July 2011
Leadership needed in the racing industry
With the racing industry increasingly in decline Labour’s Racing Spokesperson Ross Robertson is calling on the
Government to bring the major players together to come up with a platform for change.
“National’s plan to remove the prize pool subsidy established by the previous Labour Government will strike at the heart
of this iconic Kiwi industry,” Ross Robertson said.
“In 2008 and in consultation with the industry, Labour established a $1 million a year Racing Promotion and Sponsorship
Scheme to assist the three racing codes to lift their profile and to generate more sponsorship.
“Trainers and owners already struggle to make ends meet. Without the subsidy the industry will plummet further into
decline.
“The industry directly employs the equivalent of nearly 9,000 people, many of whom are low paid workers in the
agriculture and hospitality industries.
“The need to take action before this becomes a sunset industry is paramount. There are far too many jobs at stake for
incoming Racing Minister Craig Foss to sit on his hands and do nothing,” Ross Robertson said.
“I know we are in tough economic times and the industry is facing difficulty, but Mr Foss should at least be working
with the industry to find an alternative solution.
“Horse and dog racing are an important pastime for many Kiwis. The courage, skill and passion in the industry is plain
for all to see. This can be a productive industry for New Zealand again, but jobs are at stake as Mr Foss sits on the
side-lines.
“Mr Foss should get up off his hind legs and show leadership, before the industry goes into further decline,” Ross
Robertson said.
ENDS