2020 Election: No Money for the Racing Industry in National’s Industry Policy Package

The racing industry shouldn’t expect any cash injection if the National Party is elected; instead, the party promises to “bring a sense of urgency to revitalize” the sector.

National leader Judith Collins unveiled her party’s election promises today at Hawke’s Bay Racing Center with racing spokesman Ian McKelvie.

They say that, if elected, National would work with TAB, NZ On Air and the racing industry to “explore options” to promote racing and bring back Trackside Radio.

Trackside Radio was canned by the TAB in May after a hiatus after the Covid-19 crash.

And he says that by repealing the Resource Management Act, another electoral promise, he would help accelerate the racing infrastructure and develop “fit for purpose” racing facilities.

National said it would also help the $ 1.6 billion-a-year sector by developing clearer educational pathways with industry-aligned qualifications under the NZQA framework,
and “improved partnerships between the secondary and tertiary sectors”.

Other promises in politics include:

• Support the industry to establish “centers of excellence in careers”.
• Include the career industry in your Primary Sector Visa proposal, to allow quick access to qualified foreign workers.
• Implement the Racing Industry Act and ensure that “appropriate appointments” are made to the boards of TAB NZ and Racing NZ that will propel the industry forward.
• Review the tax and depreciation rules for blood.
• Ensure there is an opportunity to compete in the proposed New Zealand Tourism Festival.

National said that “unfortunately the sector has not always received the support or recognition it deserves.”

But in May, Minister of Racing Winston Peters gave the racing industry a $ 72.5 million Covid-19 emergency support package.

Other national policies have promised massive cash injections or grants, including yesterday’s $ 105 million tourism policy, but no funding was included in today’s racing policy.

McKelvie said he wanted the industry to be “recognized as world class.”

“We have the best breeders, the best trainers, the best racers, the best jockeys and the best fans in the world. We want to make sure they operate in an industry that can prepare them for success on the world stage.