Trainers' Association newsletter/ RITA response to questions

[curious]

WHAT WILL OUR STAKES BE LIKE? We certainly haven’t had any assurances as to what stakes may be, in the short or even longer term. The Executive of the Trainers’ Association held a meeting on Tuesday 21st April and were unanimous that a letter be written to RITA asking a number of questions requiring answers prior to the move to Level 3. With ongoing concerns regarding the solvency of the TAB, a return to racing needs to be justified with acceptable stakes levels. Trainers will need to provide this information to their owners so a decision can be made as to whether it is worth bringing horses back into work. Here is a link to the letter sent at 8.40am 22nd April, from National President, Tony Pike to the Chair and Board of RITA: https://nztrainers.co.nz/media/1190/rita210420.pdf The Trainers’ Association just 3 hours later received the following response which has not been well received by our Executive:

Dean asked me to let you know we have received your letter of 22 April and has confirmed it will be presented and discussed at the Board meeting on 29 April. We also wanted to double check that you were getting the regular updates from RITA over the past month as our business responds to the impact of COVID-19? If these are not getting through, please let me know so I can review our distribution groups. We've released about 12 updates through various channels, many of which were sent directly to clubs and RIOs. Furthermore, you will have received two updates yesterday on the discussions with the Government in relation to a return to training, trailing and racing for the industry and the draft 2019/20 draft calendar. We are making good progress working through the government processes required and hope to provide further clarity in the coming days about a resumption under Level 3. Any resumption would of course be subject to meeting the protocols NZTR has presented, which I understand were developed in association with the Trainers Association. Based on an initial read of your questions to the Board, I think the items raised have been mostly covered off in our previous updates (which are all located here), nonetheless, I expect the Board will respond to your letter promptly after the meeting next week. In the interim, and further to my phonecall to you on Monday, if you do have questions about the resumption of racing or the calendar (or other matters), please don't hesitate to call me.   Warm regards Ian Head Of Public Affairs

This letter clearly shows the lack of respect for our Association and the stakeholders within. We do not agree that our questions have been answered in their previous updates (that have previously been forwarded to you via this newsletter). The link provided by RITA has their latest news – which was 20th March! It also does not provide any certainty around immediate or future stakes, or the liquidity of our industry. Whilst we requested responses to our questions by midday Monday 27th April, prior to the move to Level 3, this has totally been disregarded. Tony Pike has expressed his dismay by return and our Executive suggest that if you wish to pass on your thoughts to Dean McKenzie, Chair of RITA, please do so. His email is as follows: dean@mckenziesport.com   Please copy us in (wendy@nztrainers.co.nz) or contact us direct -  we are keen to have your feedback. Some members of the Executive have stated they will not be putting horses back into work until acceptable answers are received. There could not be a more appropriate time for trainers to take action should the answers from the RITA Chair and Board, not be acceptable. It is totally unfair to expect owners to commit their horses to training, when they have no idea what the future of racing may look like and what the stakes may be. RITA need domestic racing and it is the owners, trainers, jockeys and breeders who provide the product. We will need to have a united front so we will be looking for your support should action need to be taken.Please give us your feedback and WATCH THIS SPACE! NZTR DIRECTIVE REGARDING TRAINING, TRIALLING AND RACING UNDER LEVEL 3 NZTR are still waiting on final approval from Government on the directives under Level 3 which include the protocols for trialling and racing. As soon as they have been approved, we will distribute them so you can begin planning your return to training, what will be required and how your staff can operate. Here’s a great video on what industry participants are doing in Victoria with such great success that has seen racing continue there: https://www.facebook.com/racingvictoria/videos/2032546393557563/UzpfSTUyMTA3NDYxNzk3MzA2MjozMDIxNzI5NTUxMjQwODc3/

[Chief Stipe]

So much for waiting for this new crowd to do the job.  So much for waiting for a change in attitude.  Same old same old.

[Freda]

Yeah.  I've been told by two trainers that Riccarton track will be open for work on Tuesday. 

While it is possible,  it is by no means certain. 

From the above ,  it is clear that those two trainers have been misinformed, and wherever they got their information,  that source could diversify into writing childrens' fantasies.

Because,  if Pike et al don't know, nobody else will either.

Edited April 22, 2020 by Freda

[curious]

When I look at that Malua Racing vid, I'm just hoping that since NZTR indicated that the protocols they developed were based on the Oz ones, they have ensured that they have necessary supplies infra-red thermometers, PPE, virucidal disinfectants etc. on hand or sourced for rapid delivery to training stables, training centres, RIU etc.or further delays will ensue accruing those while that happens. If the likes of  the CJC are planning to open their tracks on Tuesday, I imagine they will already have those things to hand and will have already or be about to disinfect the stabling area, buildings etc. ready for that.

Edited April 22, 2020 by curious

[curious]

I think I also saw that the Oz training centres are using a roster system so that teams in the tie-ups are limited in numbers at a given time period each morning, I gather they will have been working with trainers to have that sorted if they are doing the same here?

[Freda]

Nope.

[Freda]

Before we were closed down,  we[ my operation ]  had already disinfected tie - up chains,  washed all the bridles with virkon, etc.  And,  as I only have one staff/rider,  he does all the tacking up and riding, and I wash/brush/rug the horses.  Easy to keep a good distance apart.

And plenty of handwashing around the stables, but, as there are only the two of us apart from a casual mucking-out person [ who is also a flatmate of mine ]  there is really minimal risk.

I can't comment upon the others, though.  

As many ride directly from their stables,  the need for separate tie up areas is probably not a biggie here;  can't comment about the other large centres,  though,  maybe they have the equipment to which you refer.

[curious]

39 minutes ago, Freda said:

From the above ,  it is clear that those two trainers have been misinformed, and wherever they got their information,  that source could diversify into writing childrens' fantasies.

Maybe they had a visit from an essential worker like the tooth fairy or Easter bunny and heard it from them.

[TIME FOR CHANGE]

7 hours ago, curious said:

WHAT WILL OUR STAKES BE LIKE? We certainly haven’t had any assurances as to what stakes may be, in the short or even longer term. The Executive of the Trainers’ Association held a meeting on Tuesday 21st April and were unanimous that a letter be written to RITA asking a number of questions requiring answers prior to the move to Level 3. With ongoing concerns regarding the solvency of the TAB, a return to racing needs to be justified with acceptable stakes levels. Trainers will need to provide this information to their owners so a decision can be made as to whether it is worth bringing horses back into work. Here is a link to the letter sent at 8.40am 22nd April, from National President, Tony Pike to the Chair and Board of RITA: https://nztrainers.co.nz/media/1190/rita210420.pdf The Trainers’ Association just 3 hours later received the following response which has not been well received by our Executive:

Dean asked me to let you know we have received your letter of 22 April and has confirmed it will be presented and discussed at the Board meeting on 29 April. We also wanted to double check that you were getting the regular updates from RITA over the past month as our business responds to the impact of COVID-19? If these are not getting through, please let me know so I can review our distribution groups. We've released about 12 updates through various channels, many of which were sent directly to clubs and RIOs. Furthermore, you will have received two updates yesterday on the discussions with the Government in relation to a return to training, trailing and racing for the industry and the draft 2019/20 draft calendar. We are making good progress working through the government processes required and hope to provide further clarity in the coming days about a resumption under Level 3. Any resumption would of course be subject to meeting the protocols NZTR has presented, which I understand were developed in association with the Trainers Association. Based on an initial read of your questions to the Board, I think the items raised have been mostly covered off in our previous updates (which are all located here), nonetheless, I expect the Board will respond to your letter promptly after the meeting next week. In the interim, and further to my phonecall to you on Monday, if you do have questions about the resumption of racing or the calendar (or other matters), please don't hesitate to call me.   Warm regards Ian Head Of Public Affairs

This letter clearly shows the lack of respect for our Association and the stakeholders within. We do not agree that our questions have been answered in their previous updates (that have previously been forwarded to you via this newsletter). The link provided by RITA has their latest news – which was 20th March! It also does not provide any certainty around immediate or future stakes, or the liquidity of our industry. Whilst we requested responses to our questions by midday Monday 27th April, prior to the move to Level 3, this has totally been disregarded. Tony Pike has expressed his dismay by return and our Executive suggest that if you wish to pass on your thoughts to Dean McKenzie, Chair of RITA, please do so. His email is as follows: dean@mckenziesport.com   Please copy us in (wendy@nztrainers.co.nz) or contact us direct -  we are keen to have your feedback. Some members of the Executive have stated they will not be putting horses back into work until acceptable answers are received. There could not be a more appropriate time for trainers to take action should the answers from the RITA Chair and Board, not be acceptable. It is totally unfair to expect owners to commit their horses to training, when they have no idea what the future of racing may look like and what the stakes may be. RITA need domestic racing and it is the owners, trainers, jockeys and breeders who provide the product. We will need to have a united front so we will be looking for your support should action need to be taken.Please give us your feedback and WATCH THIS SPACE! NZTR DIRECTIVE REGARDING TRAINING, TRIALLING AND RACING UNDER LEVEL 3 NZTR are still waiting on final approval from Government on the directives under Level 3 which include the protocols for trialling and racing. As soon as they have been approved, we will distribute them so you can begin planning your return to training, what will be required and how your staff can operate. Here’s a great video on what industry participants are doing in Victoria with such great success that has seen racing continue there: https://www.facebook.com/racingvictoria/videos/2032546393557563/UzpfSTUyMTA3NDYxNzk3MzA2MjozMDIxNzI5NTUxMjQwODc3/

And the BEST PERSON they can get to reply to these important questions is

IAN from PUBLIC AFFAIRS

I hope the EXECUTIVE OF NZTA don't mind being given the "middle finger"

[curious]

To be fair, it was adreessed to the board, not the full time CEO. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a response as soon as possible after the next board meeting.

[Chief Stipe]

11 minutes ago, curious said:

To be fair, it was adreessed to the board, not the full time CEO. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a response as soon as possible after the next board meeting.

To be even fairer isn't the Chairman of the Board and the CEO the same person at the moment?

[curious]

Yes but it was adressed to him as chair, and the board, not him as CEO, so he could hardly respond in that capacity. I wouldn't have.

Edited April 22, 2020 by curious

[The Diceman's Been]

The problem with incompetence is it's inability to recognise itself.

Ian, from Public Relations ( isn't that the oxymoron of the day ) needs a lesson in respect. He wouldn't have a bloody job if it wasn't for the trainers, owners, studs, stablehands and jockeys...…...what a Group 1 plonker he is.

 

I'm telling you, just in case you had any doubt,  the joint is rooted.

[Dark Beau]

Dear Dean, 

I will give you a bit of advice....help.

Instantly let Ian Noname go now, before it gets any worse and at the same time give yourself an uppercut for not having the courtesy of responding to Tony Pike yourself.

Very poor judgement all round.

Yours sincerely

Beau 

[NZRacing]

Quote

Ian, from Public Relations ( isn't that the oxymoron of the day ) needs a lesson in respect. He wouldn't have a bloody job if it wasn't for the trainers, owners, studs, stablehands and jockeys...…...what a Group 1 plonker he is.

No he wouldn't have a job if it wasn't for John Allen.

May 2003 NZ Post media release re John Allen, currently Acting Chief Executive of New Zealand Post, has been appointed Chief Executive, Chairman Rt Hon Jim Bolger announced today. https://postandparcel.info/8226/news/john-allen-appointed-ceo-new-zealand-post/     For more information contact:Ian Long, Senior External Relations Advisor
04 496 4910 or 025 237 9207
ian.long@nzpost.co.nz

Head of Public Affairs
Company NameRacing Industry Transition Agency
Dates Employed Oct 2018 – Present

New Zealand Racing Board
Head of Government and Industry Relations
Company Name New Zealand Racing Board
Dates Employed Oct 2017 – Present
 

External Relations Manager
Company Name New Zealand Post 
Dates Employed Mar 2002 – Apr 2006 (John Allen worked at NZ Post from 1994 -2009 and was CEO 2003- 2009)
Employment Duration 4 yrs 2 months

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is Public Affairs? - A definition of "public affairs.
Public affairs work combines government relations, media communications,issue management, corporate and social responsibility, information dissemination and strategic communications advice. Practitioners aim to influence public policy, build and maintain a strong reputation and find common ground with stakeholders.

E-mail etiquette rules every professional should know: state your full name, title, the company name, and your contact information, including a phone number eg Leave the right impression with your email sign-off

Example of poor E-mail etiquette: 

Warm regards ("Warm regards" is generally reserved for close friends and family and should not be used in professional correspondence.
Ian (full name should be included)
Head Of Public Affairs (company name and contact information should be listed)

[NZRacing]

The NZ TAB had a Manager, Media and Corporate Communications for years and then it would seem a new position was created 'Head of Public Affairs where work combines government relations, media communications,issue management, corporate and social responsibility, information dissemination and strategic communications advice.

The first role at the NZ TAB Ian Long (remember he is an ex  work colleague of John Allen) had was Head of Government and Industry Relations. As per the job description a new role established:

Head of Government and Industry Relations - Wellington 

The New Zealand Racing Board is a truly diverse business. We're a totally Kiwi operation and what we do touches the lives of a great number of people the length and breadth of the country. Operating more than 650 TAB retail outlets, as well as our own national television and radio channels, we're an integral part of cities, towns, and communities nationwide.

In this newly created role, you'll develop, deliver and lead the NZRB's Government and Industry Stakeholder Management Strategy with a view to protecting and enhancing the reputation of the New Zealand Racing Board.

Working closely with the Communications Team you'll be responsible for the development and implementation of a coordinated NZRB Stakeholder Relationship Model and an Government and Industry Relations communications strategy.

You'll own key relationships with Ministers, Racing Codes, Clubs, Government and NSOs. With the increased integration of issues between Government and Industry, you will develop a clear strategic agenda through close collaboration with the NZRB Communications team.

You'll be experienced in developing long term partnerships, be able to think critically and strategically, and have developed outstanding influencing and communication skills. You'll be a successful people leader who enjoys working collaboratively and openly shares ideas.

For further detail about this opportunity please click on the More Details link below to download and view the position description.

Applications close on Sunday 13 August 2017.

3 months prior to his appointment at NZ TAB Ian Long was on a  month contract supporting the Immigration NZ team (where John Allen was CEO prior to his NZ TAB CEO role) on a range of projects and priorities with a strong internal communications focus.

i don't believe his two roles were vital to the NZ TAB and were created at huge expense to the Racing Industry and is a classic case of 'the old boys network' looking after one another. That old boys network did exist in the racing industry decades ago but in today's and recent years given the financial climate of the Racing Industry over recent years it has no place.

As his first role at the TAB had in it's job description 'You'll own key relationships with  Racing Codes & Clubs' there must be many involved in those two areas that know Ian very very well.

Edited April 23, 2020 by NZRacing

[The Diceman's Been]

Ian apparently has strong internal communication attributes, according to the above.

I take that to mean he farts often and has relied on the NZ tax payer to help him ease his obvious constipation.

[Bid]

Certainly be interesting to see a list of each and every position at Rita/racinG board and go through and see how many can be eliminated/combined 2 jobs in to one so they can get some expenses down. 

[Mark D]

To Tony Pike and the NZTA - you reap what you sow

[All The Aces]

 

[Freda]

Once is bad enough..but to post this drivel twice...?

[All The Aces]

4 minutes ago, Freda said:

Once is bad enough..but to post this drivel twice...?

As the Irishman said.....To be sure to be sure.

Sorry posted under the wrong thread initially Freda.

Perhaps you can throw some light about the talk of $1.75 million owed to NZTR being banded about in respect to nom and acceptance fees with a good proportion of that owed by trainers.  

[Freda]

28 minutes ago, All The Aces said:

As the Irishman said.....To be sure to be sure.

Sorry posted under the wrong thread initially Freda.

Perhaps you can throw some light about the talk of $1.75 million owed to NZTR being banded about in respect to nom and acceptance fees with a good proportion of that owed by trainers.  

No idea,  sorry. Not a good look, but a fair illustration of just how much pain there is out there.

If minimum stakes drop further  ( thats if there is any money at all )  and owners still have to pay starting fees, there must be a mutiny. 

[The Diceman's Been]

Well done Michael.

Give them heaps, but will you get a response ………..fat chance. 

RITA is ROOTED