Awapuni update

[Pete Lane]

AWAPUNI COURSE PROPER UPDATE
Dear all,
We are writing to update you following a decision made by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) to pause all racing at Awapuni for the remainder of the 2025-26 racing season.
We fully understand the frustration and disappointment this announcement brings, and we share those feelings. While this is not the outcome any of us wanted, we respect NZTR’s decision. Our focus now is on working with NZTR to ensure the right work is undertaken so Awapuni can return to racing as soon as possible on a surface that is fit for a sustainable future, rather than relying on short-term fixes to ongoing issues.
NZTR has engaged world-leading track experts to lead the next phase of work, with clear standards and independent oversight. As soon as we have greater clarity and a confirmed path forward early in the New Year, we will provide further updates to you all.
Thank you for your continued patience and support during this challenging period. 
Kind Regards,
Richard Simpson 
RACE Board Chairman
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[We're Doomed]

I can't actually keep up. I take it this is all new? Was the original plan to start racing again soon?

I just hope Trentham can handle all of the racing they are getting. They have been incredibly lucky so far with the weather. There doesn't seem to be any concern about over using Trentham prior to their Cup Meeting, although it isn't really a Cup Meeting any more, more like random races spread over all of January.

And you do worry about whether the race going public of Wgtn might get burnt out and we end up with the poor optics of tiny crowds at Trentham meetings.

[Pete Lane]

The whole thing reeks of incompetence.

They should use the money to refurbish Foxton and get the facilities up to scratch.

A far better option.

[Farnarkler]

When I think of the MRC committee's back in the 60's 70's and 80's the amazing racedays, and how Palmy rocked back then, the race buses going up from Welly full, all I can think of is........Thanks for the memories, as the new Gen has well and truly fucked racing big time, Lest We Forget.

[We're Doomed]

4 minutes ago, Farnarkler said:

When I think of the MRC committee's back in the 60's 70's and 80's the amazing racedays, and how Palmy rocked back then, the race buses going up from Welly full, all I can think of is........Thanks for the memories, as the new Gen has well and truly fucked racing big time, Lest We Forget.

There are some descendants of the Awapuni administrators from back then still involved in the industry, must be very sad for them.

[Farnarkler]

26 minutes ago, We're Doomed said:

There are some descendants of the Awapuni administrators from back then still involved in the industry, must be very sad for them.

I feel for them.

[Chris Wood]

It’s an absolute disgrace, how many of these disasters over the last ten years….

How can we keep getting it so wrong?

I agree with the Foxton track being resurrected, and Waipukarau, now there back in commission utilise that to…

Hastings will be interesting, I cannot fathom how it took a year to get rocking and rolling! 
I wonder who is doing the work?

I hope they have a bit of an understanding, for everyone’s sake!

 

[MrBigStuff]

19 minutes ago, Chris Wood said:

It’s an absolute disgrace, how many of these disasters over the last ten years….

How can we keep getting it so wrong?

I agree with the Foxton track being resurrected, and Waipukarau, now there back in commission utilise that to…

Hastings will be interesting, I cannot fathom how it took a year to get rocking and rolling! 
I wonder who is doing the work?

I hope they have a bit of an understanding, for everyone’s sake!

 

EvergreenTurf from Australia

[bloke]

2 hours ago, Farnarkler said:

When I think of the MRC committee's back in the 60's 70's and 80's the amazing racedays, and how Palmy rocked back then, the race buses going up from Welly full, all I can think of is........Thanks for the memories, as the new Gen has well and truly fucked racing big time, Lest We Forget.

Unfortunately, the Director of Race who was the major mover for the Conference Centre at Awapuni to be built back around 2007 was from the 60's 70's era. They bult the Conference Centra at a cost of $9M and it was to be repaid from the sale of residential sections which they developed from spare land, but the GFC arrived and section sales were virtually nil leaving a huge debt and high interest repayments. From then on, they were screwed.

[Farnarkler]

8 minutes ago, bloke said:

Unfortunately, the Director of Race who was the major mover for the Conference Centre at Awapuni to be built back around 2007 was from the 60's 70's era. They bult the Conference Centra at a cost of $9M and it was to be repaid from the sale of residential sections which they developed from spare land, but the GFC arrived and section sales were virtually nil leaving a huge debt and high interest repayments. From then on, they were screwed.

Ah, there's always one Bloke, always.

[Chris Wood]

Crown Jewel? 

[Ranger]

On 12/16/2025 at 1:30 PM, Pete Lane said:

The whole thing reeks of incompetence.

They should use the money to refurbish Foxton and get the facilities up to scratch.

A far better option.

I've always thought Foxton an underrated and under utilised track. It's always managed well for trials

Over summer I'm sure they could run meetings with marquees and food trucks for the public and throw in some stuff for kids like bouncy castles.

Taupo manages great days with limited facilities and it doesnt put people off.

Come on NZTR - surely you can run this by your bosses at Entain and get Foxton back on track.

 

[We're Doomed]

3 hours ago, Ranger said:

I've always thought Foxton an underrated and under utilised track. It's always managed well for trials

Over summer I'm sure they could run meetings with marquees and food trucks for the public and throw in some stuff for kids like bouncy castles.

Taupo manages great days with limited facilities and it doesnt put people off.

Come on NZTR - surely you can run this by your bosses at Entain and get Foxton back on track.

 

I might be wrong, but if I can remember far enough back I think Foxton was seen as a winter track because of its good drainage. But of course, back in those days there were several "summer" tracks in the CD. So things have changed.

[Kingshill]

13 hours ago, Ranger said:

Come on NZTR - surely you can run this by your bosses at Entain and get Foxton back on track

I think there is historical politics at play, or no one willing to admit they got it wrong in regards to Foxton......

[nomates]

2 hours ago, Kingshill said:

I think there is historical politics at play, or no one willing to admit they got it wrong in regards to Foxton......

To be fair , Foxton hasn't helped itself with all the dithering around with the insurance money .