NZTR Board Members

[Special Agent]

Any thoughts on the two new NZTR Board Members?

[Muzza]

59 minutes ago, Special Agent said:

Any thoughts on the two new NZTR Board Members?

Who are they? 

[Chief Stipe]

NZTR Welcomes Two New Directors to its Board

 

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has today announced the appointment of Struan Abernethy and Louise Ward to its Board of Directors, bringing a wealth of governance, commercial and community experience to the organisation.

 

The appointments were confirmed by the NZTR Members’ Council, which oversees the selection of NZTR Directors. Members’ Council Chair Jeff McCall said the decision reflects the Council’s commitment to strong governance and leadership within the sport.

 

“The NZTR Members’ Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Struan Abernethy and Louise Ward to the NZTR Board,” said McCall. 

 

“Their combined governance expertise, business insight and personal connection to the sport will be a real asset to the organisation and the industry, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of Thoroughbred racing in New Zealand.”

 

A Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors, Struan Abernethy is a seasoned executive leader and governance professional with extensive experience across digital marketing, sport, and professional services. He currently serves as Board Chair of the Make-A-Wish Foundation NZ and has held senior leadership positions in both New Zealand and Australia, including as Global CEO of the Leading Edge Group. An active racing enthusiast and horse owner, Abernethy combines deep commercial experience with a genuine passion for the sport.

 

Louise Ward brings a wealth of experience in property development, regeneration, and project management. She currently serves on the Tāmaki Regeneration Company Board, leading one of the country’s most significant community redevelopment programmes delivering more than 10,000 homes in partnership with iwi, Council, and Government. A lifelong equestrian and racing syndicate member, Ward offers a strong community perspective shaped by her work in major urban regeneration projects.

 

NZTR Chair Russell Warwick said the appointments reflect NZTR’s focus on building strong leadership and bringing together a wide range of expertise to help guide the sport’s future.

 

“Both Struan and Louise bring complementary skills and perspectives that will serve NZTR and the wider industry well,” Warwick said.

 

“Struan’s background as a global executive and Board Chair, coupled with his experience leading digital and marketing-focused enterprises, adds considerable commercial insight.

 

“Louise has proven leadership across major regeneration and property development projects, holding both Chair and Director roles. Her strong record will be invaluable as we continue to advance the long-term sustainability of New Zealand racing and its infrastructure.”

 

NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty also added, “Both Struan and Louise have strong track records in leadership and a clear appreciation for the people and animals that make our sport what it is.”

 

“Their insight and experience will be valuable as we continue to shape the future direction of New Zealand racing,” Ballesty said.

 

NZTR also acknowledges the contribution of Andrew Fairgray, who will retire from its Board of Directors after nearly five years of service.

 

“It’s been a privilege to serve on the NZTR Board over the past five years during a period of real progress and change for the industry,” commented Andrew Fairgray. 

 

“The sport continues to evolve in exciting ways, and I’m proud to have played a small part in helping shape its future,” he said. 

 

Chair Russell Warwick thanked Fairgray for his service and commitment.

 

“Andrew has been an excellent contributor during his time on the Board, bringing a well-balanced approach during a time of considerable change in New Zealand racing,” Warwick said.

 

“He’s provided valuable strategic insight and leadership to the Board, and we wish him all the best for what comes next.”

 

 

Corporate Communications

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing

nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

 

 

[Freda]

5 hours ago, Special Agent said:

Any thoughts on the two new NZTR Board Members?

Yes.  

[curious]

That's a bit cryptic! Elaborate please. I don't really have an opinion. Yet.

[Freda]

2 hours ago, curious said:

That's a bit cryptic! Elaborate please. I don't really have an opinion. Yet.

Dont wish to be rude on a public forum. ( Not a reflection on the people concerned, either in a personal or professional way, I want to be clear on that.)

[Huey]

Another property expert , governance expert "yawn' both with none or very little interest in racing .

The NZTR clown show continues.

At least it isn't as bad as the CPD circus now that is just plain demented, every CEO the organisation gets concentrates on some pet project that diverts attention away from the real issues in the sport. 

Don't worry though we are apparently leading the world in horse welfare .. LMAO!

 

[Chief Stipe]

2 hours ago, Freda said:

Dont wish to be rude on a public forum. ( Not a reflection on the people concerned, either in a personal or professional way, I want to be clear on that.)

Hasn't stopped you before.

[Chief Stipe]

2 hours ago, Huey said:

Don't worry though we are apparently leading the world in horse welfare .. LMAO!

 

How are we not?  

2 hours ago, Huey said:

Another property expert , governance expert "yawn' both with none or very little interest in racing .

The NZTR clown show continues.

Geez you and @Freda have been moaning about everything.  Another good days racing coming up at Riccarton.

[hesi]

It does seem that it has become endemic in NZ, lack of accountability that many perceive racing to have.

I see the police have screwed up big time with this Jevan McSkimming character and the way the woman's complaint of him being a sexual predator was handled.

Like everything, we will have a review, that will go on for ages, cost the taxpayer heaps, and nothing really ever changes, just how long till the next cock up.

NZ racing had certainly had its share of lemons over the years.  Andrew Brown, Chris Bayliss, John Allen.  You can't deny that.

[Freda]

36 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

Hasn't stopped you before.

Dont be a prat.  Im nowhere near as critical as I could be, generally,  and I do try not to be nasty or abusive.   Poor form IMO.

Edited 2 hours ago by Freda

[Huey]

2 hours ago, Chief Stipe said:

How are we not?  

Geez you and @Freda have been moaning about everything.  Another good days racing coming up at Riccarton.

Ok "Chief Positive" we get it you think everything is great and the futures bright, I guess thats gonna be the view with a guy who has 10+ horses in work with NZ leading stable ? 

 

[Huey]

3 minutes ago, Freda said:

Dont be a prat.  Im nowhere near as critical as I could be, generally,  and I do try not to be nasty or abusive.   Poor form IMO.

Unfortunately when it comes to the governing body we need more nasty and abusive.

@Chief Stipe is a Sideline Sam so he thinks everything is peachy, his 10+ horses with NZ leading stable give him a realistic view of the industry.

[curious]

52 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

How are we not?  

Do you think the less than 20% compliance with filing SR24 traceability forms is world leading? I know you think the whip rule compliance is.

[Chief Stipe]

58 minutes ago, curious said:

Do you think the less than 20% compliance with filing SR24 traceability forms is world leading? I know you think the whip rule compliance is.

Who is at fault for that non-compliance?  Not NZTR.  Your own peers and fellow stakeholders who think that it is a whole lot of woke BS.  Which it is.  

As for the whip rules - quite frankly who gives a shyte what the BS duplitious UK authorities think.

If you haven't noticed the general public has had a gutsful of being dictated to by moaning socialist lefties who cry wolf about any minor discretion and live their entire life fighting any daft cause they can.  Your horse tracing and whip crusade is NOT going to change anything.  The Anti-mob will always be anti-racing.  Do what more and more of us are doing now and telling them to go get a life or jump on Greta's barely sea-worthy boat and bang a tambourine past the 12 mile limit.

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, Freda said:

Dont be a prat.  Im nowhere near as critical as I could be, generally,  and I do try not to be nasty or abusive.   Poor form IMO.

I'm not being a prat.  Just pointing out the facts.  Not one post from you about what was a great day's racing on the first day of Cup week at Riccarton.  Just a post about someone vomitting over your back fence and another about the noise from the party that was going on and what effect it would have on someone elses horses.  

 

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, Huey said:

Ok "Chief Positive" we get it you think everything is great and the futures bright, I guess thats gonna be the view with a guy who has 10+ horses in work with NZ leading stable ? 

 

Not only is that completely untrue but even if it was it would be a damn sight better than being miserable and moaning about everything.  I guess that's all you do when you get dropped off at the RSA.

[Chief Stipe]

1 hour ago, Huey said:

Unfortunately when it comes to the governing body we need more nasty and abusive.

 

Why?  If you've not noticed it isn't working for Colin Wightman aka @Transparency.  Nor does it seem to improving the health of your liver.

1 hour ago, Huey said:

@Chief Stipe is a Sideline Sam so he thinks everything is peachy, his 10+ horses with NZ leading stable give him a realistic view of the industry.

I'm not actually - I've been oncourse more in the last 12 months than you have for the last 12 years!!  You wouldn't have a clue what is happening at the races.