Commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand has ended, with the final race meeting held at Hatrick Raceway in Whanganui before a nationwide ban took effect on August 1.
The last official race was scheduled for 6:55pm local time on July 31, bringing an end to a sport that had operated commercially in the country for nearly eight decades. The closure follows a government decision announced by Racing Minister Winston Peters in late 2024 after concerns over injury and death rates within the industry.
While Hatrick hosted the final event, Addington in Christchurch also held significance on the closing day. The venue was the location of New Zealand’s first official greyhound racing meeting in 1948, 78 years before the sport’s commercial conclusion. Although greyhound clubs existed in the country as early as 1876, totalisator betting rights were only granted in 1978.
Transition Program Focuses On Rehoming Dogs
The closure process now moves toward finding new homes for approximately 1,400 active greyhounds previously involved in racing. The Greyhound Transition Agency (GTA) has been appointed to oversee the rehoming effort and provide financial support for owners and trainers while dogs remain in their care.
The government has allocated a NZ$60 million program for the transition, funded through TAB New Zealand rather than taxpayer money. The GTA is expected to operate until July 2029, with the possibility of an extension if additional time is required.
Racing Minister Winston Peters said the agency had established a structured approach to managing the transition.
“The GTA has a clear plan – the Greyhound Rehoming Project – is fully funded and is working with established expert organisations who have been rehoming racing industry greyhounds for years,” he said.
“The rehoming plan ensures owners (and) trainers of former racing dogs have financial support to care for animals until they are rehomed.”
Peters said public concerns about animal welfare played a major role in ending commercial racing and said the next priority was ensuring former racing dogs receive appropriate care.
“There was clear, strong support from most New Zealanders that ending greyhound racing was the right thing to do,” he said.
He also confirmed that the program would be funded through TAB proceeds that previously supported greyhound racing.
Industry Reflects On Final Race Meetings
Greyhounds Australasia acknowledged the conclusion of the New Zealand industry and recognized the contribution of people involved in racing over many years.
“Greyhound racing has been part of the New Zealand sporting landscape for generations, providing opportunities for participants, clubs and communities across the country and creating a strong connection between people and greyhounds,” the organization said.
The group highlighted the involvement of owners, trainers, breeders, kennel staff, veterinarians, officials, volunteers and others who supported greyhounds during and after their racing careers.
Greyhounds Australasia chief executive Simon Stout said support would continue for those affected by the closure.
“GA remains committed to supporting Greyhound Racing New Zealand, the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency and industry participants as they navigate this challenging period and the uncertain future ahead,” he said.
“Our immediate and primary focus remains the welfare of the greyhounds and the people who love and care for them, both on and off the track. The transition will involve significant challenges.”
Ban Followed Years Of Safety Concerns
The government said the decision followed three independent reviews over the previous decade, which identified injury and death rates that were considered unacceptable. Legislation ending commercial greyhound racing was passed by Parliament in April with support from all political parties.
As reported by The Straight, the final days of racing included another fatal incident when a greyhound suffered a broken leg during a race at Addington and was euthanized. Peters said the incident highlighted the welfare concerns that contributed to the sport losing public support.
“The last week of racing was sadly marked by yet another death of a greyhound which was put down after breaking her leg in a race at Addington on Wednesday. It was a tragic reminder of the toll of deaths and serious injury for an industry which had run out of social licence to operate.”
“Let that be the last death of a racing dog, and we encourage Kiwis to get onboard in providing these greyhounds with a loving home and a brighter future.”
Greyhound racing had remained a part of New Zealand’s wagering industry, accounting for around 12% of racing wagering turnover according to figures released by Entain in May.
Although commercial racing has ended domestically, TAB New Zealand can continue accepting bets on overseas greyhound races. Offshore operators cannot accept bets from customers located in New Zealand.