At last!!! Steps towards National Venue Management.

[Chief Stipe]

Project Stamina Advances with Appointment of Independent Advisor RCP

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), with the support of TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ), have today confirmed the appointment of RCP as independent consultants to Project Stamina, a dual-code initiative focused on the future of New Zealand’s racing infrastructure.

Project Stamina aims to produce a unified Master Plan for racing and training venues nationwide. It will provide a clear, long-term view of where and how the industry should invest across both Thoroughbred and Harness codes. In doing so, it links this investment to day-to-day outcomes: reliable tracks, a consistent racing product, stronger wagering performance, and more funding to reinvest back into the sport.

Following a competitive process, RCP has been engaged to provide strategic advisory and programme management support to the codes. RCP is a leading provider of independent project management and strategic advisory services across New Zealand’s property and construction sectors, including major sporting infrastructure and recreation facilities.

NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Matt Ballesty, said RCP’s appointment marked an important milestone in the project.

“This is a critical piece of work for our industry. There have been a lot of assessments completed over the years at the Club, regional and code levels, but it hasn’t always been cohesive or aligned to a single national view,” he said. 

“We’ve taken the time to run a thorough process and are pleased to have RCP on board. Their experience in complex, multi-stakeholder infrastructure projects will help us bring real clarity to the options in front of us and give everyone greater confidence in the decisions we ultimately make,” Ballesty said. 

HRNZ Chief Executive Officer, Brad Steele, said the work now underway would support better decision-making for Clubs, participants and funders.

“This Master Plan is an opportunity to make sure our infrastructure is fit for purpose, safe, and capable of supporting the growth we want to achieve as codes." 

“RCP’s independent expertise will help us get an honest assessment of the current state and build a clear picture of where investment will make the biggest difference. This work is essential to giving Clubs, participants and funders the confidence to plan for the future," Steele said. 

TAB NZ, which is supporting the initiative, views Project Stamina as a key enabler of a reliable racing product and sustainable wagering returns for the industry.

Broader industry engagement will be a core part of the process, and NZTR and HRNZ will outline how stakeholders can be involved as Project Stamina moves through its key phases. 

As Project Stamina progresses, both codes will continue to provide key updates to the industry, with TAB NZ contributing strategic input throughout.

About Project Stamina

Project Stamina is a joint initiative between New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), supported by TAB NZ. Announced in 2025, the project aims to deliver a unified Master Plan for New Zealand’s racing infrastructure, enabling better-informed, long-term decisions on the future use, investment and configuration of racing and training venues across both codes. 

About RCP

RCP is a leading provider of independent project management and strategic advisory services to New Zealand’s property and construction industry. With a multidisciplinary team and experience across sectors including sports and recreation, RCP supports clients to shape, organise and deliver complex projects nationwide.

Corporate Communications

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing

For more information, contact: Emma Thompson

E: nztrcommunications@nztr.co.nz

 

[Murray Fish]

29 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

will help us get an honest assessment of the current state

so, its all been dishonest so far....

[curious]

12 minutes ago, Murray Fish said:

so, its all been dishonest so far....

I'm trying to remember how many national venue plans we've had in the last few decades?

[hesi]

16 minutes ago, curious said:

I'm trying to remember how many national venue plans we've had in the last few decades?

NZTR did a venue plan, most of which was incorporated into the Messara Report

[Murray Fish]

17 minutes ago, hesi said:

into the Messara Report

??? ...about to have some breath breathed into it?

[curious]

51 minutes ago, hesi said:

NZTR did a venue plan, most of which was incorporated into the Messara Report

Even since then, they published venue plans in 2019 and 2024. Are they now out the window? Not that they've been implemented.

Edited 58 minutes ago by curious

[Chief Stipe]

19 minutes ago, curious said:

Not that they've been implemented.

I think that is the key - implementing them.  However getting the rabble to agree and let go....

[Special Agent]

15 minutes ago, Chief Stipe said:

I think that is the key - implementing them.  However getting the rabble to agree and let go....

A large percentage of people in racing must fit into the rabble category.  A few of us were talking today about the various NZTR appointees over the years.  The rabble had an idea of their capabilities, then they stepped up to the mark to prove the rabble correct.

Same old to us Chief.