20 years ago when racing was at its height and before the introduction of computer processing HRNZ employed 10 people including the CEO but not including stipendiary stewards and racecourse detectives as they are now part of the racing integrity unit. Now the staff numbers are well over 25 and cimbing rapidly. What do all these people do? With an average salary of say $100,000 that is costing the industry $2,500,000 which is at least $1,500,000 more than it took to run the industry 20 years ago (no adjustment for inflation). In addition the HRNZ board members were volunteers and as such were not paid, now they all get at least $80,000 per annum. There are 8 board members therefore that is a cost of at least $640,000. Add this to the $2,500,000 for extra staff costs and there is an additional minimum amount of over $3million which should be available for stakes.
Harness Racing is at it's lowest ebb and yet rather than cutting costs HRNZ are now spending more than ever