What: Protest Harcourts and Wellington Cup Day
When: Saturday 30th January 2021 11am - 1pm
Where: Cnr Sutherland Drive and Fergusson Drive, Heretaunga, Upper Hut (outside Children First Early Childhood Centre)
Harcourts Real Estate's support of the Wellington Cup demonstrates they are a major sponsor of animal cruelty and
gambling problems, which flies in the face of the core values of their charitable arm - "people first, doing the right thing, and being courageous".
Harcourts Foundation have been supporting charities since 2008; they state that they change lives and make dreams come
true, and we are certain that this is the case for many individuals and businesses, but that should never give a free
pass to also support industries whose very foundations are based on abuse and suffering.
Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses (CPR) spokesperson, Frances Baker stated, "Corporate social responsibility is
for progressive business models to contribute to the well-being of communities, but what about non-human animals?"
"Harcourts Foundation sponsor Wellington Racing Club, a club that will sell you the facade of glamour, whilst betting on
innocent sentient beings that are forced to run for their lives, suffering from injuries or even dying horrifically on
track for people's entertainment."
"Horse racing is considered 21st century legalised cruelty and it is losing it's social licence. So much so, it has been
on a financial decline for many years, relying on a bailout to recover from the Racing Industry Transition Agency's $45
million debt."
The Treasury’s own regulatory impact statement on racing industry reforms funded by taxpayers, recognises that
generational change, the loss of social license and competition from other forms of entertainment, are behind the
decline of the racing industry.
Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses NZ tried to reach out to Harcourts to discuss the negative impacts of horse
racing but their request was rejected by the managing director stating, "I have no wish to discuss this further".
"Despite providing information and resources to help educate and highlight the plight of a racehorse, they would rather
turn a blind eye and continue supporting a so-called 'sport' that belongs in the history books."
"Just because Harcourts have supported Wellington Racing Club for nearly 140 years does not mean it needs to continue,
just like the other once accepted practices that have taken place in the past and are now strongly frowned upon such as
the use of animals in circuses, rodeos and aquariums."
"Last year, Park Rangers were shocked to discover their drinks were being stocked at Wellington Racing Club (an error
made by their wholesale distributor) and stated, 'We are not, and will not ever sponsor any event that is associated
with animal racing', turning down the offer of having their drinks supplied and promoted as part of the one of the
club's promotional deals for a special event."
"Also, back in 2019 we approached a well-known company and advised them about what they were contributing to, they then
cancelled their contract with Wellington Racing Club, another sign that the world is changing. Perhaps it's time for
Harcourts to reassess what they should be supporting and instead support cruelty free events instead" Ms Baker said.