NZTR Appoints New General Manager - Welfare and Industry Capability

[Chief Stipe]

NZTR Appoints New General Manager - Welfare and Industry Capability

 

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has appointed Sam Fursdon as General Manager - Welfare and Industry Capability, effective 1 October 2025.

 

Fursdon has spent more than 15 years working across the New Zealand racing industry, building strong relationships and driving positive change in both horse welfare and industry development. With a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies and further qualifications in project management, she takes an evidence-based approach to her work and has led a number of major initiatives during her time with NZTR.

NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Matt Ballesty, said Sam’s appointment reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to welfare and people capability.

“Sam has a proven track record of getting things done and a genuine passion for the industry.”

 

 

 

Newly appointed NZTR GM - Sam Fursdon.https://bitofayarn.com

 

 

“She understands the challenges we face regarding our industry’s social licence, but also the opportunities, and she’s the right person to help us build on our welfare standards and support the people who make our sport thrive,” he said. 

Fursdon said she is excited to step into the role.

“I feel truly privileged to take on this position. Horses have been at the centre of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m passionate about ensuring they receive the very best care.”

“Equally, I want to support the people who dedicate their lives to racing, because when our horses and our people thrive, so too does our entire industry.

“I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Justine Sclater, outgoing Head of Welfare and Sustainability, Amy Johnson, current Head of Education, Training and Development, and their respective teams.

“Their dedication and passion have had an immense impact on the industry, and I look forward to continuing and building on their work,” Fursdon said. 

Ballesty also noted the resignation of Justine Sclater from her role as Head of Welfare and Sustainability, paying tribute to the impact she and the wider welfare team have had across the industry.

“We acknowledge the outstanding service of Justine Sclater and her team, whose work has made a lasting impact on the industry. The foundations they have built will ensure Sam is well placed to take this work forward,” Ballesty said. 

Corporate Communications
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nzhttps://bitofayarn.com

[Muzza]

4 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

NZTR Appoints New General Manager - Welfare and Industry Capability

 

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has appointed Sam Fursdon as General Manager - Welfare and Industry Capability, effective 1 October 2025.

 

Fursdon has spent more than 15 years working across the New Zealand racing industry, building strong relationships and driving positive change in both horse welfare and industry development. With a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies and further qualifications in project management, she takes an evidence-based approach to her work and has led a number of major initiatives during her time with NZTR.

NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Matt Ballesty, said Sam’s appointment reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to welfare and people capability.

“Sam has a proven track record of getting things done and a genuine passion for the industry.”

 

 

 

Newly appointed NZTR GM - Sam Fursdon.https://bitofayarn.com

 

 

“She understands the challenges we face regarding our industry’s social licence, but also the opportunities, and she’s the right person to help us build on our welfare standards and support the people who make our sport thrive,” he said. 

Fursdon said she is excited to step into the role.

“I feel truly privileged to take on this position. Horses have been at the centre of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m passionate about ensuring they receive the very best care.”

“Equally, I want to support the people who dedicate their lives to racing, because when our horses and our people thrive, so too does our entire industry.

“I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Justine Sclater, outgoing Head of Welfare and Sustainability, Amy Johnson, current Head of Education, Training and Development, and their respective teams.

“Their dedication and passion have had an immense impact on the industry, and I look forward to continuing and building on their work,” Fursdon said. 

Ballesty also noted the resignation of Justine Sclater from her role as Head of Welfare and Sustainability, paying tribute to the impact she and the wider welfare team have had across the industry.

“We acknowledge the outstanding service of Justine Sclater and her team, whose work has made a lasting impact on the industry. The foundations they have built will ensure Sam is well placed to take this work forward,” Ballesty said. 

Corporate Communications
New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing
nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nzhttps://bitofayarn.com

Who cares anymore. It's just rearranging furniture at further unnecessary cost to the industry. 

[Chief Stipe]

22 minutes ago, Muzza said:

Who cares anymore. It's just rearranging furniture at further unnecessary cost to the industry. 

I think you will find that they are reducing head count.

[hesi]

You can't say she is not from a racing background, that has always been one of the issues in the past.  Her mother-in-law is Karen Fursdon, whose father is Norm Crawford

[curious]

2 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

I think you will find that they are reducing head count.

She's just replacing Justine Sclater isn't she?

[Chief Stipe]

3 hours ago, curious said:

She's just replacing Justine Sclater isn't she?

You obviously didn't read the first press release from CEO.

BTW are your real or just vapour and I'm talking to myself?  Asking for a friend? @Comic Dog