An Open Letter from NZTR, HRNZ and the RIB

[Chief Stipe]

 

 

An open letter to the racing community from NZTR, HRNZ & RIB No images? Click here Open Letter to the Racing Community: Adherence to Racing Codes of Conduct To all participants, members, volunteers, employees, suppliers, and supporters of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand. New Zealand’s racing industry thrives because of the dedication, integrity, and passion of thousands of individuals, on the track, behind the scenes, and in our communities. Each of those individuals who run businesses, are employed, volunteer their time, or in other ways lend their positive support to racing and its participants play a vital role in ensuring our sport remains strong, inclusive, and future-focused. Unfortunately, there is a small minority of people whose persistent negative behaviour runs counter to these shared values. This may be either online abuse, personal attacks, public harassment or unwanted attention. These behaviours cause real harm, impacting individuals’ mental wellbeing, reputation or career, and eroding the trust and cohesion our sport depends on. Together, we have a collective responsibility to uphold the standards of respect, professionalism, and integrity that define a healthy and sustainable industry. Abuse, whether verbal, physical, written, digital or psychological, has no place in New Zealand racing. We all deserve to work and participate in an environment where people are treated with dignity. This is not just about compliance, it’s about maintaining a supportive and positive culture and community that more people want to be a part of. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and proud to be part of the racing industry. We ask everyone, regardless of their role, to lead by example, speak out when behaviour falls short, and support one another in maintaining high standards of conduct. As part of this commitment, our organisations have: Maintained strong channels to raise concerns or report misconduct, so individuals can confidently, safely and confidentially report concerns. Reinforced expectations for on-course behaviour at all race meetings and industry events. Confirmed that appropriate consequences will be applied, ranging from formal warnings up to disciplinary action or removal from participation in industry activities. Committed to strengthen each Code’s respective Rules of Racing, including explicit references to such misconducts and to the sanctions that may be imposed. This letter marks a united stance across equine codes and the Racing Integrity Board. We are committed to taking meaningful action, and just as importantly, to setting a positive and respectful tone for the future. Let’s lead with integrity. Let each of us call out poor behaviour. And let’s all stand together in creating a racing industry where everyone feels safe, supported, and welcome. Yours in racing, Racing Integrity Board New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Harness Racing New Zealand   ☎️Racing Integrity Board Confidential Integrity Line Make an anonymous report by: calling 0508 742 123, or submitting information online via: www.integrityline-nz.org/rib ☎️OnTrack In a non-emergency, contact the OnTrack support line on 0800 667 224 for free, confidential support and assistance. Tel: 0800 667 224 (support line) Email: support@ontrack.org.nz       New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing 18 Dick Street, Cambridge 3434 Email: office@nztr.co.nz Tel: 0800 946 637 NZTR.CO.NZ Unsubscribe

 

 

[Newmarket]

Read this Michael House…..

[Murray Fish]

6 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Unfortunately, there is a small minority of people whose persistent negative behaviour runs counter to these shared values. This may be either online abuse, personal attacks, public harassment or unwanted attention.

Please name them then!

 

[Chief Stipe]

13 minutes ago, Murray Fish said:

Please name them then!

 

I could name a few!!  Might do that.

Running this site I have had numerous calls from the 3 codes (note Greyhounds weren't included in this open letter) and various individuals over particular posters.  

I've found all the callers to be very good to deal with and have established a respect for their sincerity.  

 

[curious]

I didn't receive this. If I did, at best, I'd feel very offended. No organisation or employer I've ever been associated with would ever behave like this.

Edited 14 hours ago by curious

[Murray Fish]

31 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

I could name a few!!  Might do that.

go on!

I just had a look for it at Loveracing, couldn't find it? where was it published?

[Gammalite]

23 minutes ago, curious said:

I didn't receive this. If I did, at best, I'd feel very offended. No organisation or employer I've ever been associated with would ever behave like this.

Larger Companies and Business's often send out memo's out to the staff , as incidents occur which prompt /force them to do so.  It's not uncommon at all. mainly they remind staff to be respectful of each other and work as a team. And No Racism or Sexual Harassment will be tolerated, etc etc.  

Don't be offended. It's just trying to keep the peace within the industry. so look at it as a good thing. 

59 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

To all participants, members, volunteers, employees, suppliers, and supporters of
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand.

Here's who they addressed it to, which is much more than just staff I know, but there are a lot of interested parties in the racing sport,. some want to Bite the Hand that feeds them though , no matter what. 

and Plenty of distractors too. much more than the usual losing whingy punters . And as Chief as often said if they get too much traction , they'll shut the Sport down eventually . Greyhounds already biting the Dust. 

So best have a Courtesy and Appreciate the efforts of others letter A Good reminder for Everyone. to have some Respect . 

 

[Chief Stipe]

10 minutes ago, Murray Fish said:

go on!

I just had a look for it at Loveracing, couldn't find it? where was it published?

Sent to current owners.  A friend forwards them to me.

[Chief Stipe]

39 minutes ago, curious said:

I didn't receive this. If I did, at best, I'd feel very offended. No organisation or employer I've ever been associated with would ever behave like this.

Why would you "feel very offended"?  Perhaps it was only sent to the offenders.

[curious]

9 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Sent to current owners.  A friend forwards them to me.

Well I'm  a current owner and licence holder and didn't get it, so perhaps you are right. Perhaps it was only sent to the offenders but there can't be many of those. I am shocked by the tone of it. 

[Special Agent]

I've spoken to a few who have received the open letter and pretty much all seem to have little idea what has happened to prompt such a letter.  I guess if we are in the dark we must have a clean nose.

Suppliers to the industry is an unusual inclusion. Would this be feed merchants, blacksmiths, saddleries, vets etc.?  How are these people bound by racing industry rules?

The mind boggles as to how bad this issue is but, then it is pointed out that there is a small minority displaying negative behaviour.  This may just be highlighting the obvious that many living in the modern age have no manners, no sense of humour and some have no back bone.

[curious]

13 minutes ago, Special Agent said:

Suppliers to the industry is an unusual inclusion. Would this be feed merchants, blacksmiths, saddleries, vets etc.?  How are these people bound by racing industry rules?

That's all a bit bizarre from where I sit.

The letter says To all participants, members, volunteers, employees, suppliers, and supporters of
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand.

I struggle to see how the likes of members and supporters are necessarily bound by the rules of racing.

[Murray Fish]

8 minutes ago, curious said:

That's all a bit bizarre from where I sit.

a rather large Full Moon currently! seem like some a howling at it!

 

[Rangatira]

2 hours ago, Newmarket said:

Read this Michael House…..

mostly on the money is Mickey Mouse

[Chief Stipe]

46 minutes ago, curious said:

That's all a bit bizarre from where I sit.

The letter says To all participants, members, volunteers, employees, suppliers, and supporters of
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand.

I struggle to see how the likes of members and supporters are necessarily bound by the rules of racing.

Well it is an "Open Letter".  So you've seen it.

[Doomed]

It was probably largely intended for the trotting fraternity. They tend to be a bit more fiery than us mostly refined galloping types.

[Chief Stipe]

11 minutes ago, Doomed said:

It was probably largely intended for the trotting fraternity. They tend to be a bit more fiery than us mostly refined galloping types.

Ya reckon?

[the galah]

1 hour ago, Rangatira said:

mostly on the money is Mickey Mouse

 

thats what they aare afraid of isn't it.

as i said in a previous post about mark jones on the harness part of this website,expect to see them try and silence people like him who express opinions they don't want to hear.

that latest press release,was easily predicted.

Like i've said,its ok for high profile breeders/owners/trainers to gave public opinions and advocate to industry leadership for their special interests ,but its not ok for other individuals to do the  exact same thing, if the special interests they advoctae for don't align with the thinking of industry leadership.

simple as that.

Edited 11 hours ago by the galah

[TAB For Ever]

3 hours ago, curious said:

Well I'm  a current ownerand licence holder and didn't get it, so perhaps you are right. Perhaps it was only sent to the offenders but there can't be many of those. I am shocked by the tone of it. 

As a licence holder they definitely will be coming after you......stay indoors and lock the doors !

Stuff written on Harness Forums recently has definitely crossed the line and once again brought this topic to the fore ....many organisations and clubs etc have Codes of Conduct plus the general responsibilites an employee has like ...act in good faith , not divulge sensitive information or tarnish reputations etc .

If you not aware of this stuff you must be the Vicar of Dibley or similar !

[Gammalite]

40 minutes ago, TAB For Ever said:

If you not aware of this stuff you must be the Vicar of Dibley

Not without a great Place chance this week either TABman . A very quick NZ mare in Race 9 Saturday night in the Ladyship stakes , Get on at $10 the place. She'll go well.  has great form . The Vicar of Dibley NZ.  (photo)

BTW forums are just for anonymous opinion. There's no way that Racing bodies can enforce the content. I'm currently on a Footy Forum for the Lions AFL Match and the 'Tarnish Reputations thing' is about TENfold anything that comes up against Racing competitors 😆 . No footy governing body would bother controlling Carlton and Collingwood criticism in a forum lol. In fact , I think they enjoy it so that performance levels can lift to 'Fan Expectation' (or at least they can try too 😅)

[TAB For Ever]

1 hour ago, Gammalite said:

Not without a great Place chance this week either TABman . A very quick NZ mare in Race 9 Saturday night in the Ladyship stakes , Get on at $10 the place. She'll go well.  has great form . The Vicar of Dibley NZ.  (photo)

BTW forums are just for anonymous opinion. There's no way that Racing bodies can enforce the content. I'm currently on a Footy Forum for the Lions AFL Match and the 'Tarnish Reputations thing' is about TENfold anything that comes up against Racing competitors 😆 . No footy governing body would bother controlling Carlton and Collingwood criticism in a forum lol. In fact , I think they enjoy it so that performance levels can lift to 'Fan Expectation' (or at least they can try too 😅)

Sure Thing Captain ,Udderly sweet I speak the Truth !

You talk with Fire and Passion ......I see one of our Goats Richard Brosnan driving over there to night , and another ex-Kiwi star AButt still getting the odd drive on big stage.

Meanwhile Brooke been told to put Treacherous Baby in the race early this week when GRogersons mare tries to walk/sprint.

Looks like the weather gunna be a big issue for us Friday. 

I like Major Hot for odds Saturday and maybe Not as promised. I'll BetN Win !

This Harness talk on here will no doubt earn me some slings and arrows of outrageous indignation ....oh well !

And most of the Harness Forums on social media in NZ are not anonymous so there are a few Licence Holders who try to Leap to Fame , maybe some will succeed !

Nothing succeeds like a toothless Canary. 

Great win Billy Slater and the lads !

Edited 8 hours ago by TAB For Ever
To insert a laugh !

[Gammalite]

1 hour ago, TAB For Ever said:

Sure Thing Captain ,Udderly sweet I speak the Truth !

You talk with Fire and Passion ......I see one of our Goats Richard Brosnan driving over there to night , and another ex-Kiwi star AButt still getting the odd drive on big stage.

Meanwhile Brooke been told to put Treacherous Baby in the race early this week when GRogersons mare tries to walk/sprint.

Looks like the weather gunna be a big issue for us Friday. 

I like Major Hot for odds Saturday and maybe Not as promised. I'll BetN Win !

This Harness talk on here will no doubt earn me some slings and arrows of outrageous indignation ....oh well !

And most of the Harness Forums on social media in NZ are not anonymous so there are a few Licence Holders who try to Leap to Fame , maybe some will succeed !

Nothing succeeds like a toothless Canary. 

Great win Billy Slater and the lads !

Yes I see what you've done there with several tips. Will watch out for them. Best of Luck.

Richard Brosnan aged 77 now. Only drives about 8 races per year lol. That starter tonight owned by his wife I think, named No Remorse. been 45 years since 'No Response' won the Interdominion Trot for him at Addington, but he did take the title 3 years ago when the late Greg Sugars won the Grand Final for him driving a horse Richards co-trains with son Emmett named 'Maori Law'.  so a 40+ year gap between Inter trot wins . very nice.

Best of luck to Brooke. Hope the Treacherous Baby gets the money ok . I'm still in shock with Natalie gone and a heap of Allstars getting beat all the time. It's like the cat died or something and leaves you missing something special lol. 

I'm not to worried about the 'Open Letter'. Seems a nice thing to keep people 'polite' if possible. or showing some respect to the industry at least.  That Thomass bloke and Forbury here are often calling jockeys/drivers/trainers cheats for whip things and race fixing  and all sorts of stuff. No one wants to see that sort of thing,  and they're just abusing the participants of racing sports we all enjoy all the time . might as well slink out of the country like that awful PProfit had too, so they can really Sink the boot in with every racing article that they post . think all those lads need a game of golf or something to relax , but would probably blame their clubs for a loss,  and smash them up 🤣.   

 

[curious]

12 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

Why would you "feel very offended"?  Perhaps it was only sent to the offenders.

Because of its authoritarian, patronising and bullying tone, that it was seemingly circulated randomly by the RIB, from a nameless author, and evidently with the support of only 2 of the 3 codes they represent.

[Chief Stipe]

21 minutes ago, curious said:

that it was seemingly circulated randomly by the RIB

The one I saw came from NZTR.  Regardless it is an Open Letter.

21 minutes ago, curious said:

Because of its authoritarian, patronising and bullying tone

That is your perception however I have seen numerous instances of where a line has been crossed.

Colin Wightman aka @Transparency for example does it frequently.  I've even seen examples of licensed individuals crossing the line.

You can critique actions, decisions or lack thereof without denigration or abuse.

[Chief Stipe]

10 hours ago, the galah said:

Like i've said,its ok for high profile breeders/owners/trainers to gave public opinions and advocate to industry leadership for their special interests ,but its not ok for other individuals to do the  exact same thing, if the special interests they advoctae for don't align with the thinking of industry leadership.

Why do you think that the Letter is aiming at the likes of House and Jones?  Their opinions were not abusive or personally denigrating.