Is NZTR a modern progressive organisation?

[Murray Fish]

Those currently challenged by Pro A.I please look away now!  For the record,  A.I. looking at racing often appears lacking re 'things racing nz'.  That is partly a lot of info is 'hidden' and also, A.I.  (for me Deep Seek) works better when you prime it first, so0mething I have been doing, more for fun that actually wanting to be involved with 'nz racing polices", I am now at the 'feckem all' stage...

To the question: "can you comment? what 'feeling' does the organization NZTR give you? progressive? conservative? modern? backward? popular? unpopular"

 

Based on the information available, here is a summary of the "feelings" or impressions that New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) projects based on its recent actions and stakeholder feedback.

### 🏛️ Progressive vs. Conservative
NZTR comes across as attempting to be **progressive and modernizing**, but it is perceived as moving too fast by a significant portion of its core stakeholders.

- **Progressive Actions:** The organization is driving significant structural change. Initiatives like **Project Stamina** (a joint masterplan for racing infrastructure)  and the proposal for a new "Greenfields" racing precinct in Hawke's Bay  suggest a forward-thinking, strategic approach rather than just "reactive maintenance" .
- **Grassroots Concerns:** However, this push for centralization and change has led to a perception of being **conservative or out-of-touch with the grassroots**. The 2025 Stakeholder Survey revealed that one-third of stakeholders reported declining confidence, citing "centralisation and loss of grassroots" as a key reason. Trainers and breeders—those with the most industry experience—were the least confident in NZTR .

### 💻 Modern vs. Backward
The impression here is of an organization that is **embracing modern tools and strategies**, even if the execution is still a work in progress.

- **Embracing Modernity:** NZTR is actively trying to modernize the sport's operations and appeal. They are developing a new digital **Owners' Service Centre** for online self-service and reviewing the LOVERACING.NZ website to improve engagement . CEO Matt Ballesty speaks of a "season of bold transformation" and a new strategic plan focused on innovation .
- **Challenges with Fundamentals:** Despite these digital efforts, the organisation is grappling with very basic, "backward" infrastructure problems. The complete failure and ongoing reconstruction of the **RACE Awapuni track**—which has left the Central Districts without a premier venue for years—is a significant black mark. Forum comments reflect deep frustration, calling the official updates a "crock of ... spin" given the lengthy delays .

### 🗣️ Popular vs. Unpopular
Based on the available data, NZTR appears to be **more unpopular than popular**, particularly with its most experienced and dedicated industry participants.

- **Low Confidence Scores:** The 2025 independent survey by Kantar NZ paints a concerning picture. NZTR received a confidence score of **51.5**, meaning roughly only **one in two stakeholders** has confidence in them. Their lowest-scoring areas were **"Vision & Leadership"** and **"Financial Stewardship"** .
- **A Divided Industry:** While confidence is stronger among owners and newer participants, it is weakest among the "backbone" of the sport: **trainers and breeders**. Nearly one-third of stakeholders said their confidence had *declined* in the six months prior to the survey . On industry forums, the sentiment is even harsher, with some accusing NZTR of alienating the very people who keep the industry running .

### ✨ Final Impression
Overall, NZTR presents itself as a governing body that is **ambitious and strategically focused on long-term survival** through centralization and major infrastructure investment. However, the "feeling" it gives to many in the industry—especially the experienced professionals at the coalface—is that it is a **distant and untrusted leadership** that is failing to communicate its vision effectively while the fundamentals of the sport (like reliable racetracks) crumble around them.

I hope this analysis provides the colour and context you were looking for. Are there any other aspects of NZTR's operations you would like to compare?

[Chief Stipe]

Stick to photography @Murray Fish

[curious]

To answer the question in the head post, Imo far from it.