Project Stamina: Joint Industry Update

Project Stamina: Joint Industry Update

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) with the support of TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) would like to provide an update on the timing of the next phase of Project Stamina.

As the industry is aware, there are currently a number of wider strategic discussions underway relating to the long-term sustainability and future direction of racing in New Zealand. NZTR and HRNZ continue to engage constructively with TAB NZ, as well as the TAB NZ Advisory Committee, and other industry stakeholders as part of this process.

Given the importance of ensuring alignment across these discussions and the significant role infrastructure planning will play in the future of both codes, additional time is being taken as work on Project Stamina progresses.

The Boards of NZTR and HRNZ have now received a draft report from consultants RCP and are working through the draft recommendations and next stages of long-term infrastructure planning, with the project expected to be finalised and communicated to the industry by the end of July 2026. 

NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty said it was important the industry took a coordinated and considered approach to long-term planning.

"Project Stamina is about building a sustainable future for racing infrastructure across New Zealand. Given the wider strategic work currently underway across the industry, it is important we take the time to ensure this work is properly aligned and informed by those discussions,” Ballesty said.

HRNZ Chair Grant Jarrold said the work undertaken through Project Stamina would help inform how racing infrastructure supports the future needs of both codes.

“This is significant work that will help shape the future footprint of racing in New Zealand. It is important we take the time to get this right and ensure the industry has a clear and practical long-term plan for infrastructure and venue utilisation,” Jarrold said.

Earlier this year, RCP completed an extensive phase of industry engagement, involving approximately 50 meetings with racing clubs, Recognised Industry Organisations, and the Racing Integrity Board across both the Thoroughbred and Harness codes. Stakeholders also had the opportunity to provide feedback through online submissions. Feedback gathered through that process has been used to inform the development of future-state infrastructure options. 

Both organisations are committed to delivering a unified, long-term infrastructure masterplan that supports a sustainable, resilient, and financially strong future for racing in New Zealand.