Levin RC track - Will a David v Goliath battle ensue here?

[Sobeit]

It looks like the (expected) 'battle' is underway

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The battle to save a small town racing club - from its own national body

Stewart Sowman-Lund

 

November 29, 2025

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Levin racecourse has been labelled ‘surplus’ by the national racing body and faces closure.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

A quiet rural racecourse primarily used for training has become the centre of a looming showdown, as locals accuse the national racing body of gearing up for an asset grab. Stewart Sowman-Lund reports.

“It’s location, location, location. We’re right next to the shit ponds, then we’ve got the [dog] pound,” said Michael Kay.

“So, you know, basically - between the smell of shit and dogs barking all night - it’s not really that attractive.”

 

 

 

 

 

Kay is talking about the Levin Racecourse. And he’s speaking tongue in cheek with his description of the land, because, as a member of the Levin Racing Club committee, he’s actually deeply passionate about it.

Tucked on the outskirts of the Horowhenua town, about an hour north of Wellington, Levin Racecourse is no longer used for commercial racing but remains an in-demand training track.

 

In fact, one of the world’s top rated racehorses and fastest sprinter - Ka Ying Rising - was bred in Marton and trialled in Levin. On the strength of its performance at a jumpout day in Levin, the then-unraced three-year-old was sold and has since raked in career winnings of more than $23 million.

Want to stay in the know? Sign up for the latest Post news alerts here

Despite this, there’s concern from those in the club - and trainers that rely on it - that the facility could be taken from them.

Under a provision of the 2020 Racing Industry Act, the national horse-racing body, NZ Thoroughbred Racing, has the ability to take control of any asset it deems surplus. It’s part of a nationwide strategy to consolidate the racing industry and improve profitability.

Levin is squarely in the crosshairs, club members say, though what would happen to the site is another story. It was a question from The Post about whether the racecourse could become housing that prompted Kay to note its location next to the “shit ponds”. He doesn’t know what NZTR might do with the land if it gets hold of it, though he questions what appetite developers would have to build there.

Levin Racing Club member Michael Kay is worried what might happen to the racecourse.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

The issue first arose in April this year, after the chief executive of NZTR, Matt Ballesty, wrote to the Levin Racing Club to confirm the governing body had identified the racecourse as a “surplus venue”.

In its letter, obtained by The Post, NZTR requested to enter into negotiations over the land, though noted that if the club refused to negotiate or a deal could not be reached then NZTR could go straight to the Minister for Racing and recommend it happen anyway.

As talks are ongoing, NZTR told The Post it wouldn’t provide any comment “at this time”.

Since those discussions commenced, the club has engaged a lawyer in an effort to stall NZTR’s moves.

It’s also hoping the Racing Minister, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, might stand in the way.

“We are sort of his voting base,” said Kay of Peters. “It creates a precedent, really, … [that] the big incorporated society at the top could go and gobble up all the little ones. It'd be quite sad.”

An NZTR takeover would require Peters’ consent as Racing Minister.

He declined an interview, with a spokesperson describing it as an “operational matter” for NZTR and suggesting it was too premature to discuss.

“A minister wouldn’t get involved unless the matter could not be resolved between the club and NZTR,” they said. “The first step in the process is NZTR needs to formally declare that the club is surplus to requirements.”

Committee members have spoken, fearing the worst for the racecourse.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

Kay and fellow committee members have spoken out because they fear the worst for their beloved racecourse.

“It's not surplus now, and we would argue that it's at least not going to be surplus for the next 20 years,” said Kay.

“They're trying to take what they thought might be an easy beat and then go have a crack at some of the other ones that are a bit harder. So we're David taking on Goliath.”

Club president Sean Hawkins said it had been difficult to get answers out of NZTR about why it might want the land.

“We're trying to work with them, but there's just no working with them,” said Hawkins, calling it “scary” that land could be "forcibly" confiscated in 2025.

“It sounds like they just want to take our track, take the money and run. And the problem we have is that racing down this way is in just such disorder. It's not funny. We want to ensure that whatever happens, the right thing's done down here. We're just not getting anywhere.”

Trainers Kevin Myers (L) and Fraser Auret with club president Shawn Hawkins (R).BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

The issue dominated talk at the club’s annual general meeting last weekend. Minutes from the meeting show the club has been seeking answers from NZTR over its plans for the racecourse, but that the national body was “unable to say that in the event of a takeover whether they would sell [the club’s] land immediately, retain it, lease it [or] where proceeds of sale might land.”

Oliver Bau, the Levin club’s vice president, reckons he might be the youngest racing club official in the country at the age of just 22. Five generations of his family have been involved in the racing industry.

“My main motivation for our club and for our racecourse is to spearhead and champion the efforts that previous pioneers … have done for the industry,” he said.

“Our racecourse … has been in community hands for well over 100 years. It was gifted to the community and the racing public by one of the pioneers of the Levin township, and so it has been a community gem for a very long period of time.”

Most of NZTR’s focus to date has been on commercial race tracks. The landmark Messara report of 2018 proposed sweeping changes for the racing industry, including reducing the number of racetracks from 48 to 28.

As The Post has previously reported, Auckland’s Avondale Racecourse is in the firing line, facing its own possible closure and redevelopment for housing. Meanwhile, in 2020, Stratford Racing Club in Taranaki deregistered itself from NZTR in an effort to protect its racecourse from being sold - a move the national body said was unlikely to be legally enforceable.

Levin wasn’t mentioned as a candidate for consolidation in the Messara report.

Despite this, the threat of the racecourse closing had “lingered” over the club for decades, “arguably perpetually”, Bau said.

“I think most people are just wanting to just get on with things and just be able to live their life, train their horses, carry on with what they do.”

Hawkins believed that Levin, as a training track, was a surprising target for NZTR and the national body might be overestimating any windfall.

Left to right: Committee member Michael Kay, National MP Suze Redmayne, club president Shawn Hawkins and vice president Oliver Bau.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

“I think NZTR thought that Levin was a little gold mine because it's right beside the town. We'd tried to tell them that that's not the case, and we sent them a valuation,” said Hawkins.

“They didn't agree with the valuation… they were thinking it's worth tens of millions. It's closer to three or four.”

Horse trainer Kevin Myers said locals in the industry relied on Levin and was worried where they would go if the track disappeared, citing ongoing issues at Palmerston North’s Awapuni track.

“Every fortnight, they have jumpouts [at Levin], and there's always 15 to 27 heats every time,” he said.

“Where are they going to put all those trainers? Most of them don't have their own properties. Where are they going to set them up?”

He also questioned what NZTR was doing with any money it had made from surplus venues.

“Every time they've sold something, the money’s just diminished.”

The local MPs for both Ōtaki, the constituency which covers the course, and neighbouring Rangitikei have both expressed concern for the racing club.

Suze Redmayne, the National MP for Rangitikei, said a number of trainers in her electorate used the Levin race track and were “very unhappy” about its possible closure. “The facility is popular amongst trainers due to its central location,” she said.

Tim Costley, MP for Ōtaki, said he was waiting for the full facts but was worried about the consequences of a closure.

“It sounds concerning. I haven't heard from NZTR about this yet, so I don't know what exactly their proposal is, but from what I've heard from the local racing club, it does sound concerning from their perspective, and I'm keen to support them.

He would be “very happy” to speak to NZTR in his capacity as local MP, and said it was “certainly” on his to-do list.

Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden said the local council would also advocate for the racecourse’s survival, describing the track as a “signature facility” for the rural township.

He was critical of NZTR for swooping in on a small town.

“I think this is typical [of a] national organisation imposing themselves on a local organisation who have different aspirations in terms of what they each want to do,” Wanden said.

“I don't think there's been enough conversation … around working together in terms of trying to find a solution that may help both.”

Levin Racecourse is a “signature facility” for the rural township, says the local mayor.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

The Levin Racing Club had positively contributed to the local community, said Wanden, including selling land to allow for new infrastructure.

“They've done a lot of good work in terms of being part of the community and making sure that they’re not only looking after their own interests, but looking after the community's interest.

“And that would be sad if that got lost just because of a strategic direction that the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing industry wanted to take.”

Club president Hawkins said there are issues with the sustainability of the wider horse racing industry, but that the Levin club was comparatively self-sufficient. “We’ve done pretty well with our asset,” he said.

While “everyone else seems to be in financial trouble”, noting ongoing closures at other race facilities in the lower North Island, Levin had excess money in the bank to the tune of about $2 million.

He wondered if that had made the venue a “target” for the national body.

At the end of the day, he’s worried about what the track’s closure could mean for the people who rely on it. Trainers “winning all the millions” won’t be the ones most affected, he said, comparing Levin Racecourse to a local rugby club.

“We're the real grassroots of the whole show, really.”

 

Stewart Sowman-Lund

[email protected]

Stewart Sowman-Lund is a senior reporter covering politics, pop culture and Auckland issues.

[Muzzaman]

16 minutes ago, Sobeit said:

It looks like the (expected) 'battle' is underway

L

NewsPoliticsBusinessOpinionAucklandCultureSportPuzzlesSunday Star-Times

Regions

 

 

 

 

The battle to save a small town racing club - from its own national body

Stewart Sowman-Lund

 

November 29, 2025

Share

 

Levin racecourse has been labelled ‘surplus’ by the national racing body and faces closure.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

A quiet rural racecourse primarily used for training has become the centre of a looming showdown, as locals accuse the national racing body of gearing up for an asset grab. Stewart Sowman-Lund reports.

“It’s location, location, location. We’re right next to the shit ponds, then we’ve got the [dog] pound,” said Michael Kay.

“So, you know, basically - between the smell of shit and dogs barking all night - it’s not really that attractive.”

 

 

 

 

 

Kay is talking about the Levin Racecourse. And he’s speaking tongue in cheek with his description of the land, because, as a member of the Levin Racing Club committee, he’s actually deeply passionate about it.

Tucked on the outskirts of the Horowhenua town, about an hour north of Wellington, Levin Racecourse is no longer used for commercial racing but remains an in-demand training track.

 

In fact, one of the world’s top rated racehorses and fastest sprinter - Ka Ying Rising - was bred in Marton and trialled in Levin. On the strength of its performance at a jumpout day in Levin, the then-unraced three-year-old was sold and has since raked in career winnings of more than $23 million.

Want to stay in the know? Sign up for the latest Post news alerts here

Despite this, there’s concern from those in the club - and trainers that rely on it - that the facility could be taken from them.

Under a provision of the 2020 Racing Industry Act, the national horse-racing body, NZ Thoroughbred Racing, has the ability to take control of any asset it deems surplus. It’s part of a nationwide strategy to consolidate the racing industry and improve profitability.

Levin is squarely in the crosshairs, club members say, though what would happen to the site is another story. It was a question from The Post about whether the racecourse could become housing that prompted Kay to note its location next to the “shit ponds”. He doesn’t know what NZTR might do with the land if it gets hold of it, though he questions what appetite developers would have to build there.

Levin Racing Club member Michael Kay is worried what might happen to the racecourse.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

The issue first arose in April this year, after the chief executive of NZTR, Matt Ballesty, wrote to the Levin Racing Club to confirm the governing body had identified the racecourse as a “surplus venue”.

In its letter, obtained by The Post, NZTR requested to enter into negotiations over the land, though noted that if the club refused to negotiate or a deal could not be reached then NZTR could go straight to the Minister for Racing and recommend it happen anyway.

As talks are ongoing, NZTR told The Post it wouldn’t provide any comment “at this time”.

Since those discussions commenced, the club has engaged a lawyer in an effort to stall NZTR’s moves.

It’s also hoping the Racing Minister, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters, might stand in the way.

“We are sort of his voting base,” said Kay of Peters. “It creates a precedent, really, … [that] the big incorporated society at the top could go and gobble up all the little ones. It'd be quite sad.”

An NZTR takeover would require Peters’ consent as Racing Minister.

He declined an interview, with a spokesperson describing it as an “operational matter” for NZTR and suggesting it was too premature to discuss.

“A minister wouldn’t get involved unless the matter could not be resolved between the club and NZTR,” they said. “The first step in the process is NZTR needs to formally declare that the club is surplus to requirements.”

Committee members have spoken, fearing the worst for the racecourse.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

Kay and fellow committee members have spoken out because they fear the worst for their beloved racecourse.

“It's not surplus now, and we would argue that it's at least not going to be surplus for the next 20 years,” said Kay.

“They're trying to take what they thought might be an easy beat and then go have a crack at some of the other ones that are a bit harder. So we're David taking on Goliath.”

Club president Sean Hawkins said it had been difficult to get answers out of NZTR about why it might want the land.

“We're trying to work with them, but there's just no working with them,” said Hawkins, calling it “scary” that land could be "forcibly" confiscated in 2025.

“It sounds like they just want to take our track, take the money and run. And the problem we have is that racing down this way is in just such disorder. It's not funny. We want to ensure that whatever happens, the right thing's done down here. We're just not getting anywhere.”

Trainers Kevin Myers (L) and Fraser Auret with club president Shawn Hawkins (R).BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

The issue dominated talk at the club’s annual general meeting last weekend. Minutes from the meeting show the club has been seeking answers from NZTR over its plans for the racecourse, but that the national body was “unable to say that in the event of a takeover whether they would sell [the club’s] land immediately, retain it, lease it [or] where proceeds of sale might land.”

Oliver Bau, the Levin club’s vice president, reckons he might be the youngest racing club official in the country at the age of just 22. Five generations of his family have been involved in the racing industry.

“My main motivation for our club and for our racecourse is to spearhead and champion the efforts that previous pioneers … have done for the industry,” he said.

“Our racecourse … has been in community hands for well over 100 years. It was gifted to the community and the racing public by one of the pioneers of the Levin township, and so it has been a community gem for a very long period of time.”

Most of NZTR’s focus to date has been on commercial race tracks. The landmark Messara report of 2018 proposed sweeping changes for the racing industry, including reducing the number of racetracks from 48 to 28.

As The Post has previously reported, Auckland’s Avondale Racecourse is in the firing line, facing its own possible closure and redevelopment for housing. Meanwhile, in 2020, Stratford Racing Club in Taranaki deregistered itself from NZTR in an effort to protect its racecourse from being sold - a move the national body said was unlikely to be legally enforceable.

Levin wasn’t mentioned as a candidate for consolidation in the Messara report.

Despite this, the threat of the racecourse closing had “lingered” over the club for decades, “arguably perpetually”, Bau said.

“I think most people are just wanting to just get on with things and just be able to live their life, train their horses, carry on with what they do.”

Hawkins believed that Levin, as a training track, was a surprising target for NZTR and the national body might be overestimating any windfall.

Left to right: Committee member Michael Kay, National MP Suze Redmayne, club president Shawn Hawkins and vice president Oliver Bau.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

“I think NZTR thought that Levin was a little gold mine because it's right beside the town. We'd tried to tell them that that's not the case, and we sent them a valuation,” said Hawkins.

“They didn't agree with the valuation… they were thinking it's worth tens of millions. It's closer to three or four.”

Horse trainer Kevin Myers said locals in the industry relied on Levin and was worried where they would go if the track disappeared, citing ongoing issues at Palmerston North’s Awapuni track.

“Every fortnight, they have jumpouts [at Levin], and there's always 15 to 27 heats every time,” he said.

“Where are they going to put all those trainers? Most of them don't have their own properties. Where are they going to set them up?”

He also questioned what NZTR was doing with any money it had made from surplus venues.

“Every time they've sold something, the money’s just diminished.”

The local MPs for both Ōtaki, the constituency which covers the course, and neighbouring Rangitikei have both expressed concern for the racing club.

Suze Redmayne, the National MP for Rangitikei, said a number of trainers in her electorate used the Levin race track and were “very unhappy” about its possible closure. “The facility is popular amongst trainers due to its central location,” she said.

Tim Costley, MP for Ōtaki, said he was waiting for the full facts but was worried about the consequences of a closure.

“It sounds concerning. I haven't heard from NZTR about this yet, so I don't know what exactly their proposal is, but from what I've heard from the local racing club, it does sound concerning from their perspective, and I'm keen to support them.

He would be “very happy” to speak to NZTR in his capacity as local MP, and said it was “certainly” on his to-do list.

Horowhenua mayor Bernie Wanden said the local council would also advocate for the racecourse’s survival, describing the track as a “signature facility” for the rural township.

He was critical of NZTR for swooping in on a small town.

“I think this is typical [of a] national organisation imposing themselves on a local organisation who have different aspirations in terms of what they each want to do,” Wanden said.

“I don't think there's been enough conversation … around working together in terms of trying to find a solution that may help both.”

Levin Racecourse is a “signature facility” for the rural township, says the local mayor.BRUCE MACKAY / The Post

The Levin Racing Club had positively contributed to the local community, said Wanden, including selling land to allow for new infrastructure.

“They've done a lot of good work in terms of being part of the community and making sure that they’re not only looking after their own interests, but looking after the community's interest.

“And that would be sad if that got lost just because of a strategic direction that the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing industry wanted to take.”

Club president Hawkins said there are issues with the sustainability of the wider horse racing industry, but that the Levin club was comparatively self-sufficient. “We’ve done pretty well with our asset,” he said.

While “everyone else seems to be in financial trouble”, noting ongoing closures at other race facilities in the lower North Island, Levin had excess money in the bank to the tune of about $2 million.

He wondered if that had made the venue a “target” for the national body.

At the end of the day, he’s worried about what the track’s closure could mean for the people who rely on it. Trainers “winning all the millions” won’t be the ones most affected, he said, comparing Levin Racecourse to a local rugby club.

“We're the real grassroots of the whole show, really.”

 

Stewart Sowman-Lund

[email protected]

Stewart Sowman-Lund is a senior reporter covering politics, pop culture and Auckland issues.

So I take it Ballesty will be going to Otaki on Sunday for the race day bowdlerised by NZTR.

[nomates]

My question is "what is surplus mean?", because I would strongly suggest there would be fewer tracks in the CD that are less surplus to requirement than Levin , the number of horses that get educated there to prepare for racing is immeasurable , a lot of horses go from a series of J/O's to the races , no trial , they are that professional . 

If NZTR and Ballesty asked the CD industry participants they would get a clear message to stay well away , and the fact they haven't and consider it surplus to requirements shows how just how much out of touch these guys really are .

I know that LRC are confident in their legal opinion and what they have in their constitution to take this all the way , along with the cash , and even if they lost that NZTR will be spending a large chunk of the any cash they get out of the land , which kind of negates the whole process . And will leave a bad image and taste , no to mention the bad PR that the industry would get from a legal battle . 

Things like the above makes me grateful I am on my last horse , the path that our management body is taking our industry isn't something I want to be involved in .

[We're Doomed]

3 hours ago, Muzzaman said:

So I take it Ballesty will be going to Otaki on Sunday for the race day bowdlerised by NZTR.

He doesn't work Sundays. And if he did the last thing he would be doing would be going to a race meeting.

[We're Doomed]

The more this dispute escalates into the public domain the more aware the general public will become that NZTR is an incompetent organisation and virtually everything they touch quickly turns to shit. When the media becomes interested in just how much money NZTR has wasted in the CD and what a basket case the region is there will be calls for a clean out at the top level. If the top echelons of the police can be cleaned out as rapidly as we have just seen, there should be no problem sorting out incompetency at the higher echelons of a national sporting body.

[Insider]

NZTR seems to be getting so much wrong these days, and the staff in Cambridge getting all the blame, Mr Ballesty in particular, yet he's only been there 5 minutes and I certainly don't like the employment of the three new executives.

But none of this can take place without the Boards approval, led by Russel Warwick.

Isn't it time that the Board and the people on were seriously questioned?

The Members Council too, who appoint the Board.

In my option it all started going hopelessly wrong when they changed the constitution of NZTR, got rid of genuine people on the Board with skin in the game, and hand picked so called people with governance experience, from the Institute of Directors or whatever they are called. 

 

[Pam Robson]

Excellent points.  My issue has also, long been with boards and committees which must ratify these decisions.  The CEO, although the face of any policy, can't do things off his/ her own bat.  So,  yes, in this case, wtf is Russell Warwick actually thinking?

[TurnyTom]

A lot of sting in the tail if this is initiated and they win and strip the Club of their $

Will be easier for all subsequent actions to be successful 

Not sure they have got the right target though

Just so damaging for the industry but with a backdrop of the last 10 years or so  not surprised at all …. thank God for Aussie racing

[nomates]

1 hour ago, TurnyTom said:

Not sure they have got the right target though

To show how poor their strategy is they have picked on a very strong club with financial and constitutional clout with a committee and a group of members with plenty of experience and energy to fight this .

NZTR lose this battle and they might not come off of the canvas .

[TurnyTom]

Exactly NM, think they have “goosed up again” but par for course and most certainly not a new experience

[We're Doomed]

As Pam and Insider say it is the Board that must be questioned and not Ballsy who is merely the mouthpiece and wouldn't really be expected to have much idea what is going on really.

I have just done some very quick research into the structure of Racing industry governance in NZ.

NZ Racing Authority 1972-1993

Racing Industry Board 1993-2003

NZ Racing Board 2003-2020

TAB 2020 onwards

Those are the over all governing bodies. If I recall correctly NZTR was given vastly increased powers and responsibilities after the 2020 restructure when TAB became the all powerful body. Before that, both NZTR and the TAB were purely administrative bodies responsible for a relatively narrow set of tasks.

This new governance structure has not worked. How on earth TAB became all powerful is bizarre and NZTR is way out of its depth with its new responsibilities.

The whole thing started to unravel in the late 90s and especially through the first 20 years of this century. The NZRB really did have some terrible chairmen/women.

It's all a bloody mess and I don't have the answer. All of the undervalued clubs need to join together to form their own organisation to protect their interests. Many years ago NZTR, or the Racing Conference as it was known then, was the clubs representation but it isn't any longer. It now only represents 6 or 7 major clubs and some breeders. The remaining clubs need to stick up for themselves before it is too late.

Is it correct that one of the NZTR board members was heavily involved in RACE? Surely that fiasco would disqualify anyone from further involvement in governance?

[Insider]

We're Doomed, your question....

Is it correct that one of the NZTR board members was heavily involved in RACE? Surely that fiasco would disqualify anyone from further involvement in governance?

The answer is YES. Paul Humphries, who was the previous Chairman of RACE, and was for a long time. 

After he stood down from the RACE Board he was appointed to the NZTR Board 26 November 2024 so he has already done one year there.

He was also a member of the NZTR Members Council until 2022! [They appoint the NZTR Board Members]

The new Chairman of RACE is Richard Simpson who seems like a decent bloke, listens and give you an answer. 

He has a hell of a task ahead of him, but I do have some faith, even if most of you will say that it is misguided!

[Farnarkler]

11 hours ago, We're Doomed said:

The more this dispute escalates into the public domain the more aware the general public will become that NZTR is an incompetent organisation and virtually everything they touch quickly turns to shit. When the media becomes interested in just how much money NZTR has wasted in the CD and what a basket case the region is there will be calls for a clean out at the top level. If the top echelons of the police can be cleaned out as rapidly as we have just seen, there should be no problem sorting out incompetency at the higher echelons of a national sporting body.

We can only wish WD.

[Farnarkler]

4 hours ago, Insider said:

NZTR seems to be getting so much wrong these days, and the staff in Cambridge getting all the blame, Mr Ballesty in particular, yet he's only been there 5 minutes and I certainly don't like the employment of the three new executives.

But none of this can take place without the Boards approval, led by Russel Warwick.

Isn't it time that the Board and the people on were seriously questioned?

The Members Council too, who appoint the Board.

In my option it all started going hopelessly wrong when they changed the constitution of NZTR, got rid of genuine people on the Board with skin in the game, and hand picked so called people with governance experience, from the Institute of Directors or whatever they are called. 

 

As I said many times, who's policing the police?...........there's no accountability and that stinks to high heaven, taking incompetence out of the equation the lack of governance is front and centre, there's a sad culture at HQ, it started at Petone and migrated north, what a fucking sad shit show the whole kit and caboodle is.

[Muzzaman]

53 minutes ago, Farnarkler said:

As I said many times, who's policing the police?...........there's no accountability and that stinks to high heaven, taking incompetence out of the equation the lack of governance is front and centre, there's a sad culture at HQ, it started at Petone and migrated north, what a fucking sad shit show the whole kit and caboodle is.

Oh so true. Just wipe out the lot of them and re-organise from scratch. Forget this corporate image crap, it doesn't work, many other sports bodies have found that out, but only after clubs have closed and membership has dwindled. Funny though all those who create these problems seem to hang onto their inflated salaries.

[nomates]

I think people could almost accept NZTR's strategy if they were dealing with "fuckup" clubs and those who really are a mess , but no they are gunning for clubs who have assets through land and financials that make it so transparent what they are after .

If NZTR and the NZRB are serious then they should be gunning for one CD club and one CD club only , and that is Awapuni and RACE .

Race fit the "fuckup" club image perfectly , but no , too many mates .

This just makes me sick .

 

[Muzzaman]

3 minutes ago, nomates said:

I think people could almost accept NZTR's strategy if they were dealing with "fuckup" clubs and those who really are a mess , but no they are gunning for clubs who have assets through land and financials that make it so transparent what they are after .

If NZTR and the NZRB are serious then they should be gunning for one CD club and one CD club only , and that is Awapuni and RACE .

Race fit the "fuckup" club image perfectly , but no , too many mates .

This just makes me sick .

 

Fully agree N.M. Double up on the sick part. Isn't this actually theft???

[nomates]

4 minutes ago, Muzzaman said:

Fully agree N.M. Double up on the sick part. Isn't this actually theft???

Legalized theft apparently , I'm actually ashamed of what the NZTR management are doing , basically raping and robbing our own clubs .

[Muzzaman]

3 minutes ago, nomates said:

Legalized theft apparently , I'm actually ashamed of what the NZTR management are doing , basically raping and robbing our own clubs .

Yes on all 3 counts. But no-one will stand up to them. Probably scared of vindicative retribution, which the bastards have indulged in.

[Leggy]

12 minutes ago, Muzzaman said:

Yes on all 3 counts. But no-one will stand up to them. Probably scared of vindicative retribution, which the bastards have indulged in.

Levin will.

[Muzzaman]

11 minutes ago, Leggy said:

Levin will.

Certainly hope so.

[scooby3051]

Good to see smaller sites following our lead, where we find the news they follow, maybe a couple more people will get to see it there.....good to help spread the word.

[Sobeit]

Levin RC are historically battle-hardened. They survived the Horowhenua Racing Consortium debacle by the skin of their teeth and have managed to avoid the clutches of RACE. They'll certainly give it their best shot.

Like many others I can't understand how the LRC track is perceived to be a surplus asset when the use stats clearly show it is functioning successfully & is well managed.

The club sticks to its knitting and does it well. Why meddle now (if at all)? It seems illogical.

Further, the timing is abysmal and just adds to the list of NZTR mis-steps. Talk about give industry participants a further source of great ammunition to fire against you.

 

 

[nomates]

23 minutes ago, scooby3051 said:

Good to see smaller sites following our lead, where we find the news they follow, maybe a couple more people will get to see it there.....good to help spread the word.

My money is on a certain person arguing against whatever position others take , seriously how can one person just continually keep whining at others opinions 

[Farnarkler]

1 hour ago, nomates said:

Legalized theft apparently , I'm actually ashamed of what the NZTR management are doing , basically raping and robbing our own clubs .

Losers living off winners, if you threw a dinner party how many of them would you invite?