Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill
Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill
Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill
Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill
Government Bill
208—1
Explanatory note
General policy statement
This Bill amends the Racing Industry Act 2020 (the Act) to close commercial greyhound racing in New Zealand from 1 August 2026.
It does this by removing references to greyhound racing from the Act from 1 August 2026, so that greyhound racing is no longer a permitted form of racing for the purpose of betting under the Act.
To bring about the closure, this Bill establishes roles, responsibilities, and processes for closing the industry. These functions will ensure that animal welfare and the wellbeing of affected people are prioritised throughout the closure. Central to these functions is the creation of the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency (the Agency) to oversee the closure.
The closure will be achieved in 3 stages, as follows:
stage 1: begins on the day after Royal assent:
stage 2: begins on 1 August 2026:
stage 3: begins on a date set by Order in Council, but no later than 1 August 2031.
This 3-stage approach ensures that a framework for closure is in place before commercial greyhound racing ends on 1 August 2026, and allows sufficient time for subsequent tasks to wind up the greyhound racing industry, such as ensuring that greyhounds are successfully rehomed.
The first stage establishes the Agency as a body corporate responsible for ensuring that a transition plan relating to Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) is in place to wind up the industry.
The Agency will, among other things, be responsible for the winding up of GRNZ and greyhound racing clubs. It will receive GRNZ’s relevant functions and staff, facilitate the rehoming of greyhounds, and provide advice and support to industry participants as they exit the industry. TAB NZ will be required to provide an annual amount of funding approved by the Minister for Racing (the Minister) to enable the Agency to perform its functions.
The Minister will appoint up to 4 members to the Agency and may issue directions to, and require reporting from, the Agency. The Agency will be required to produce an annual report, which the Minister will present to the House of Representatives.
The first stage also establishes a regime for winding up greyhound racing clubs and GRNZ (noting that some of this may occur after 1 August 2026). It does this by inserting provisions, similar to those for the dissolution of all racing clubs, that apply to greyhound racing clubs (but reflecting that from 1 August 2026 they will be no longer racing), and providing for the dissolution of GRNZ (specifying that on the dissolution of GRNZ, the racing code’s assets vest in the Agency).
Additionally, the first stage amends the offence relating to the unlawful destruction of a specified greyhound. It does this by adjusting the existing definition of specified greyhound so that it does not include a greyhound that the Agency considers on reasonable grounds to have been successfully rehomed.
The second stage is the enactment of the cessation of greyhound racing. This Bill removes the mechanisms by which greyhound racing is lawfully undertaken, effective from 1 August 2026. All references to greyhound racing and the greyhound racing code are removed from the Act. During this stage, GRNZ will be dissolved and any appropriate remaining functions it carries out will transfer to the Agency.
The third stage repeals provisions relating to the Agency and comes into force by Order in Council and no later than 1 August 2031. The Agency is expected to have completed its functions by 31 July 2029 and will be disestablished on that date, unless the period within which it may continue to operate is extended by Order in Council to a date no later than 31 July 2031. Once the Agency is disestablished, any residual assets it holds will be distributed to the other racing codes.
Departmental disclosure statement
The Department of Internal Affairs is required to prepare a disclosure statement to assist with the scrutiny of this Bill. The disclosure statement provides access to information about the policy development of the Bill and identifies any significant or unusual legislative features of the Bill.
A copy of the statement can be found at http://legislation.govt.nz/disclosure.aspx?type=bill&subtype=government&year=2025&no=208
Regulatory impact statement
The Department of Internal Affairs produced a regulatory impact statement on 7 August 2025 to help inform the main policy decisions taken by the Government relating to the contents of this Bill.
A copy of this regulatory impact statement can be found at—
Clause by clause analysis
Clause 1 is the Title clause.
Clause 2 relates to commencement. It provides that the Bill comes into force in 3 stages, as follows:
Part 1 (clauses 4 to 16), which establishes the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency (the Agency) to oversee the closure of the greyhound racing industry and make related changes, comes into force on the day after Royal assent:
Part 2 (clauses 17 to 24), which removes references to greyhound racing from the Racing Industry Act 2020 (the principal Act), comes into force on 1 August 2026:
Part 3 (clauses 25 to 34), which repeals provisions relating to the Agency and makes consequential amendments to the principal Act and other legislation following closure of the industry, comes into force on a date set by Order in Council and no later than 1 August 2031. The reason for the delayed commencement of Part 3 relates to the disestablishment of the Agency, which occurs on 31 July 2029 or a later date specified by Order in Council (but no later than the close of 31 July 2031).
Clause 3 provides that the Bill amends the Racing Industry Act 2020.
Part 1Amendments that commence on day after Royal assent
Part 1 (clauses 4 to 16) inserts new provisions into the principal Act to facilitate the closure of the greyhound racing industry.
Clause 4 amends section 3, which sets out the purposes of the principal Act. The amendment inserts new section 3(aa) to provide that an additional purpose of Part 2 is to establish the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency (the Agency) to oversee the closure of the greyhound racing industry, including the dissolution of New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association Incorporated (GRNZ) and greyhound racing clubs.
Clause 5 amends section 4, which outlines the contents of the principal Act. The amendments adjust the outline of Part 2 to reflect the establishment of the Agency and the existing offence relating to the unlawful destruction of specified greyhounds.
Clause 6 amends section 5, which defines terms used in the principal Act. The amendments insert several new definitions and adjust existing definitions to take account of the changes made by the Bill.
Clause 7 amends section 24, which relates to the transfer of assets on the dissolution of racing clubs, to disapply the provision to greyhound racing clubs.
Clause 8 amends section 34, which provides that a racing code may determine that a racing club is no longer racing, to disapply section 34 and the related provisions in sections 35 and 36 to greyhound racing clubs.
Clause 9 amends section 53A, which sets out an offence relating to the unlawful destruction of a specified greyhound. The amendment adjusts the existing definition of specified greyhound in section 53A(4) to provide that a specified greyhound does not include a greyhound that the Agency considers on reasonable grounds to have been successfully rehomed.
Clause 10 inserts into Part 2 a new subpart 6 (new sections 53B to 53R), which sets out new provisions relating to the Agency and the dissolution of GRNZ and greyhound racing clubs.
Greyhound Racing Transition Agency
New section 53B establishes the Agency.
New section 53C sets out the objectives of the Agency.
New section 53D sets out the functions, duties, and powers of the Agency.
New section 53E provides for the membership of the governing body of the Agency.
New section 53F requires the Agency to ensure a transition plan is developed for GRNZ.
New section 53G provides that the Minister for Racing (the Minister) may issue directions to the Agency.
New section 53H requires TAB NZ, in each racing year, to provide an amount of funding approved by the Minister to enable the Agency to perform its functions.
New section 53I requires the Agency to provide the Minister with an annual report on the performance of its functions and its operations during each racing year.
Provisions relating to GRNZ
New section 53J requires GRNZ to comply with the transition plan developed by the Agency.
New section 53K provides that the Agency may determine that GRNZ has no further functions to perform under the principal Act.
New section 53L provides that when the Agency makes a final determination under new section 53K that GRNZ has no further functions to perform under the principal Act, the Agency must notify the Registrar of Incorporated Societies (the Registrar) that GRNZ is no longer carrying out its operations and request that the Registrar exercise their power under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 to dissolve GRNZ or under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 to remove GRNZ from the register of incorporated societies (the register), as applicable.
New section 53M provides for the transfer of GRNZ’s surplus assets to the Agency on the dissolution of GRNZ or its removal from the register.
New section 53N sets out other consequences relating to the dissolution of GRNZ or its removal from the register.
Provisions relating to greyhound racing clubs
New sections 53O and 53P relate to the closure of greyhound racing clubs in existence on 1 August 2026. In summary, the provisions provide that—
a greyhound racing club is declared to be no longer racing on or after 1 August 2026 because the form of racing undertaken by the club is no longer authorised by or under the principal Act on or after that date; and
as soon as practicable after 1 August 2026, GRNZ must notify the greyhound racing club in writing that GRNZ intends to give notice to the Registrar that the club is no longer carrying out its operations and request that the Registrar exercise their power to dissolve the club or remove it from the register (as applicable); and
GRNZ must consult the club on the closure process relating to the club, including in relation to the proposed date on which GRNZ will notify the Registrar that the club is no longer carrying out its operations and on the treatment of the club’s surplus assets to be vested in GRNZ; and
when the Registrar receives notification from GRNZ that the club is no longer carrying out its operations, the Registrar must exercise their power to dissolve the club or remove it from the register, as applicable.
New section 53Q provides for the transfer of a greyhound racing club’s surplus assets on its dissolution or removal from the register to GRNZ.
New section 53R provides that TAB NZ must not issue a betting licence under section 68 to a greyhound racing club on or after 1 August 2026 and must revoke all betting licences previously issued to greyhound racing clubs in relation to racing dates that fall due on or after that date.
Clause 11 amends section 125, which restricts the use of certain names by persons other than the person with that name, to extend the restriction to include the name of the Agency.
Clause 12 amends section 127, which provides that the Crown is not liable to contribute to the payment of any debts or liabilities of various bodies established under the principal Act, to include the debts and liabilities of the Agency.
Clause 13 and Schedule 1 amend Schedule 1 of the principal Act, which contains transitional, savings, and related provisions, to include new Part 3 (new clauses 30 to 32). New Part 3 sets out transitional provisions that apply to, and provide for, the disestablishment of the Agency.
Clause 14 and Schedule 2 insert into the principal Act a new Schedule 1A, which sets out administrative provisions relating to the Agency and its governing body.
Amendment to Ombudsmen Act 1975
Clauses 15 and 16 amend the Ombudsmen Act 1975 to apply that Act and the Official Information Act 1982 to the Agency.
Part 2Amendments that commence on 1 August 2026
Part 2 (clauses 17 to 24) further amends the principal Act to remove references to GRNZ and greyhound racing throughout the principal Act.
Part 3Amendments that commence by Order in Council
Part 3 (clauses 25 to 34)—
repeals the amendments made in Part 1 to sections 3 to 5, 24, 34, 125, and 127, and subparts 5 and 6 of Part 2, and Schedule 1A; and
consequentially amends other legislation as set out in Schedule 3 to reflect the disestablishment of the Agency following the closure of the greyhound racing industry.
Rt Hon Winston Peters
Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Bill
Government Bill
208—1
Contents
The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:
1 Title
This Act is the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2025.
2 Commencement
(1)
This Act comes into force on the day after Royal assent.
(2)
However,—
(a)
Part 2 comes into force on 1 August 2026:
(b)
Part 3 comes into force on a date or dates set by Order in Council.
(3)
Any part of this Act that has not come into force by 1 August 2031 comes into force then.
(4)
An Order in Council made under this section is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
3 Principal Act
This Act amends the Racing Industry Act 2020.
Part 1 Amendments that commence on day after Royal assent
4 Section 3 amended (Purposes)
After section 3(a), insert:
(aa)
establish the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency to oversee the closure of the greyhound racing industry, including the dissolution of GRNZ and greyhound racing clubs; and
5 Section 4 amended (Outline)
After section 4(3)(h), insert:
(i)
create an offence relating to the unlawful destruction of specified greyhounds; and
(j)
establish the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency to oversee the closure of the greyhound racing industry, including the dissolution of GRNZ and greyhound racing clubs.
6 Section 5 amended (Interpretation)
(1)
In section 5(1), replace the definition of governing body with:
governing body,—
(a)
in relation to the Agency, means the governing body appointed under section 53E:
(b)
in relation to TAB NZ, means the governing body appointed under section 55
(2)
In section 5(1), insert in their appropriate alphabetical order:
Agency member means a member of the governing body of the Agency
Greyhound Racing Transition Agency or Agency means the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency established by section 53B
GRNZ has the meaning given in section 53A(4)
specified greyhound has the meaning given in section 53A(4)
transition plan means the plan developed and issued under section 53F
7 Section 24 amended (Transfer of assets on dissolution of club)
After section 24(3), insert:
(4)
Nothing in this section applies to a greyhound racing club.
8 Section 34 amended (Racing code may determine that racing club is no longer racing)
After section 34(4), insert:
(5)
Nothing in this section or sections 35 and 36 applies to a greyhound racing club.
9 Section 53A amended (Offence relating to unlawful destruction of specified greyhound)
In section 53A(4), definition of specified greyhound,—
(a)
paragraph (b), replace “section”
with “section; but”
; and
(b)
after paragraph (b), insert:
(c)
does not include a greyhound that the Agency considers on reasonable grounds to have been successfully rehomed.
10 New subpart 6 of Part 2 inserted
After section 53A, insert:
Subpart 6—Closure of greyhound racing industry
Greyhound Racing Transition Agency
53B Greyhound Racing Transition Agency established
(1)
This section establishes the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency.
(2)
The Agency—
(a)
is a body corporate; and
(b)
is a legal entity separate from its members, office holders, employees, and the Crown.
(3)
The Agency has, both within and outside New Zealand,—
(a)
full capacity to carry on or undertake any business or activity, do any act, or enter into any transaction; and
(b)
for the purposes of paragraph (a), full rights, powers, and privileges.
(4)
Subsection (3) applies subject to this Act, any other enactment, and the general law of New Zealand.
53C Objectives of Agency
The objectives of the Agency are—
(a)
to facilitate the efficient closure of the greyhound racing industry in New Zealand; and
(b)
to support the rehoming of specified greyhounds; and
(c)
to provide advice and support to participants in the greyhound racing industry who are transitioning between racing codes or leaving the racing industry.
53D Functions, duties, and powers of Agency
(1)
The functions of the Agency are—
Dissolution of GRNZ and greyhound racing clubs
(a)
to ensure the development of a transition plan relating to GRNZ:
(b)
to issue, maintain, and implement the transition plan relating to GRNZ:
(c)
to carry out the relevant functions of GRNZ under this Act as provided for in the transition plan relating to GRNZ:
(d)
to facilitate the closure of the greyhound racing industry, including the dissolution of GRNZ and greyhound racing clubs:
(e)
to receive and manage the assets and property of GRNZ and greyhound racing clubs:
Rehoming of specified greyhounds
(f)
to facilitate the rehoming of specified greyhounds and oversee their welfare until they are successfully rehomed:
(g)
to retain, maintain, and develop (as necessary) any existing systems to trace the ownership of specified greyhounds until they are successfully rehomed:
(h)
to keep a record of specified greyhounds that have been successfully rehomed:
Advice, support, and funding
(i)
to provide advice to the Minister regarding the closure of the greyhound racing industry:
(j)
to provide advice and support to participants in the greyhound racing industry who are transitioning between racing codes or leaving the racing industry:
(k)
to receive and manage TAB NZ funding:
Other functions
(l)
to facilitate the monitoring, investigation, and enforcement of non-compliance with subpart 5 and this subpart of this Part, or any other related legislation by appropriate agencies:
(m)
to carry out any other functions that are necessary or desirable to assist the Agency in achieving its objectives.
(2)
The Agency must notify the new owner of a specified greyhound in writing when it determines that the greyhound has been successfully rehomed and has ceased to be a specified greyhound for the purposes of this Act.
(3)
The Agency and any persons employed or appointed by the Agency to carry out its functions have and may exercise all the powers that may be reasonably necessary for the purposes of carrying out those functions.
53E Governing body of Agency
(1)
The Agency consists of—
(a)
a chairperson appointed by the Minister; and
(b)
up to 3 members appointed by the Minister.
(2)
An appointment must be made by written notice to the person concerned.
(3)
The Minister must notify an appointment in the Gazette as soon as practicable after making the appointment.
(4)
An agency member holds office until the close of 31 July 2029 and may be reappointed for any further period determined by the Minister.
(5)
In appointing members, the Minister must have regard to the need for the governing body to have available to it, collectively, from its members knowledge of, and experience in, matters relating to the Agency’s functions.
(6)
An agency member continues in office despite the expiry of their term until the member is reappointed or the member’s successor is appointed.
(7)
Schedule 1A applies to the Agency and its governing body.
53F Transition plan for GRNZ
(1)
As soon as practicable after the commencement of this section, the Agency must ensure that a transition plan is developed for GRNZ that provides for—
(a)
the transfer of GRNZ’s functions, assets, and employees to the Agency, including the tracing and rehoming of specified greyhounds; and
(b)
the management of GRNZ’s assets, liabilities, or agreements, including the discharge of GRNZ’s obligations in respect of any contract or other liability; and
(c)
the use of GRNZ’s powers under this Act; and
(d)
the discharge of GRNZ’s obligations relating to its employees; and
(e)
the provision of advice and support to former participants of the greyhound racing industry who are transitioning between racing codes or leaving the racing industry; and
(f)
the management of GRNZ’s arrangements with overseas racing codes and other agencies (as appropriate); and
(g)
the discharge of any other functions of GRNZ; and
(h)
the dissolution of greyhound racing clubs declared to be no longer racing under section 53O(2).
(2)
The Agency must consult GRNZ and any other person that the Agency considers appropriate when developing the transition plan.
(3)
GRNZ must—
(a)
co-operate with the Agency for the purposes of developing the transition plan; and
(b)
for that purpose, disclose information (including documents or files held by GRNZ) to the Agency upon request as soon as practicable.
53G Ministerial directions
(1)
The Minister may—
(a)
provide a letter of expectations to the Agency that sets out the Minister’s expectations regarding the Agency’s strategic direction and specific priorities relating to the closure of the greyhound racing industry; and
(b)
give written directions to the Agency—
(i)
to use its resources (whether physical, financial, or human) in a manner that will enable or ensure the orderly winding down of the greyhound racing industry:
(ii)
to use its powers under this Act in a manner that will ensure the orderly winding down and closure of the greyhound racing industry in accordance with this Act:
(iii)
to develop expertise and capability:
(iv)
to manage risks to its financial position:
(v)
to provide the Minister with any relevant information (or class of information) required by the Minister; and
(c)
require the Agency to report to the Minister, at the intervals and in the manner required by the Minister, in relation to the performance of its functions under this Act.
(2)
The Agency must comply with a direction.
(3)
To avoid doubt, nothing in this section limits the Minister’s other powers under this Act or any other legislation.
53H Funding of Agency
(1)
TAB NZ must provide an amount of funding approved by the Minister to enable the Agency to perform its functions under this Act efficiently and effectively.
(2)
The funding must be provided for—
(a)
the period beginning on the commencement of this section and ending with the close of the 2025–26 racing year; and
(b)
each subsequent racing year beginning on and after 1 August 2026.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (1), the Agency must prepare a budget in accordance with its business plan for approval by the Minister.
(4)
Before providing the budget to the Minister, the Agency must consult TAB NZ on its proposed budget.
53I Annual report
(1)
The Agency must, as soon as practicable after the end of each racing year, provide the Minister with an annual report on the performance of its functions and its operations during that year.
(2)
The annual report must include—
(a)
the financial statements of the Agency and the audit report on those statements; and
(b)
a report on any directions given to the Agency by the Minister in accordance with section 53G and the action or actions taken by the Agency in response to those directions.
(3)
The Minister must present a copy of the annual report and financial statements to the House of Representatives as soon as practicable after receiving the report and statements.
Provisions relating to GRNZ
53J GRNZ must comply with transition plan
GRNZ must comply with, and do all things necessary to give effect to, the transition plan and perform all its functions under this Act in a manner consistent with the plan.
53K Agency may determine that GRNZ has no further functions to perform
(1)
The Agency may make a determination that GRNZ has no further functions to perform under this Act.
(2)
Before making a determination under subsection (1), the Agency must—
(a)
give GRNZ written notice of its preliminary determination that GRNZ has no further functions to perform under this Act; and
(b)
give GRNZ at least 20 working days in which to respond to the preliminary determination; and
(c)
consider any submissions made by GRNZ in relation to the preliminary determination.
(3)
After complying with subsection (2), the Agency must—
(a)
make a final determination about whether GRNZ has any further functions to perform under this Act; and
(b)
give written notice to GRNZ of its final determination, including the reasons for that determination.
53L Dissolution of GRNZ or removal from register
(1)
This section applies when the Agency makes a final determination under section 53K(3) that GRNZ has no further functions to perform under this Act.
(2)
The Agency must—
(a)
notify the Registrar that GRNZ is no longer carrying out its operations and there is no proper reason for GRNZ to continue to exist; and
(b)
request that the Registrar exercise their power (as applicable) under—
(i)
section 28 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 to dissolve GRNZ; or
(ii)
section 174 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 to remove GRNZ from the register of incorporated societies.
(3)
When the Registrar receives a notification under subsection (2), the Registrar must make a declaration of dissolution in respect of GRNZ or remove GRNZ from the register of incorporated societies, as applicable.
53M Transfer of surplus assets to Agency
(1)
This section applies when the Registrar dissolves GRNZ or removes it from the register of incorporated societies in accordance with section 53L(3).
(2)
The assets of GRNZ remaining after all creditors’ claims have been satisfied vest in the Agency.
(3)
The Agency must consider whether any action (for example, a payment) is warranted to recognise the community interests (if any) in any racing venue or venues that are vested in the Agency.
53N Other consequences of dissolution of GRNZ or removal from register
On the dissolution of GRNZ or its removal from the register of incorporated societies (as applicable),—
(a)
all money payable to or by GRNZ becomes payable to or by the Agency; and
(b)
all rights, liabilities, contracts, entitlements, and engagements of GRNZ become the rights, liabilities, contracts, entitlements, and engagements of the Agency; and
(c)
all information and records held by GRNZ before the date on which it is dissolved are held by the Agency; and
(d)
anything done, or omitted to be done, or that is to be done, by or in relation to GRNZ is to be treated as having been done, or having been omitted to be done, or to be done, by or in relation to the Agency; and
(e)
a matter or thing that could, but for this section, have been completed by GRNZ may be completed by the Agency.
Provisions relating to greyhound racing clubs
53O Greyhound racing clubs in existence on 1 August 2026 declared to be no longer racing
(1)
This section applies to a greyhound racing club in existence on 1 August 2026.
(2)
The greyhound racing club is declared to be no longer racing on 1 August 2026 because the form of racing undertaken by the club is no longer authorised by or under this Act on or after that date.
53P Dissolution of greyhound racing club or removal from register
(1)
This section applies to a greyhound racing club declared to be no longer racing under section 53O(2).
(2)
As soon as practicable after 1 August 2026 and in accordance with the transition plan (as relevant), GRNZ must notify the greyhound racing club in writing that it intends to—
(a)
notify the Registrar that the club is no longer carrying out its operations and there is no proper reason for the club to continue to exist; and
(b)
request that the Registrar exercise their power (as applicable) under—
(i)
section 28 of the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 to dissolve the club; or
(ii)
section 174 of the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 to remove the club from the register of incorporated societies.
(3)
The notice under subsection (2) must specify the date on which GRNZ intends to notify the Registrar and make a request referred to in that subsection.
(4)
Before giving a notice under subsection (2), GRNZ must consult the greyhound racing club on the closure process relating to the club, including (without limitation) in relation to—
(a)
the proposed date on which GRNZ will notify the Registrar that the club is no longer carrying out its operations; and
(b)
the treatment of the club’s surplus assets under section 53Q.
(5)
On the date specified in the notice given under subsection (2), GRNZ must—
(a)
notify the Registrar that the club is no longer carrying out its operations and there is no proper reason for the club to continue to exist; and
(b)
request that the Registrar exercise their power to dissolve the club or remove the club from the register (as applicable).
(6)
When the Registrar receives a notification under subsection (5), the Registrar must make a declaration of dissolution in respect of the greyhound racing club or remove the club from the register of incorporated societies, as applicable.
(7)
However,—
(a)
nothing prevents GRNZ from issuing a notice to a greyhound racing club under subsection (2) or consulting the club (including, at the club’s request) under subsection (4) before 1 August 2026; but
(b)
if a notice is issued to the club or any consultation begins with the club before 1 August 2026, the date specified in the notice given under subsection (2) must not be before 1 August 2026.
53Q Transfer of surplus assets to GRNZ
(1)
This section applies when the Registrar dissolves a greyhound racing club or removes a greyhound racing club from the register of incorporated societies in accordance with section 53P(6).
(2)
The assets of the greyhound racing club remaining after all creditors’ claims have been satisfied vest in GRNZ.
(3)
GRNZ must consider, in accordance with the transition plan (as relevant), whether any action (for example, a payment) is warranted to recognise the community interests of the club in any racing venue or venues that are vested in GRNZ.
53R Issue of betting licences to greyhound racing clubs
(1)
TAB NZ must not issue a betting licence under section 68 to a greyhound racing club on or after 1 August 2026.
(2)
On 1 August 2026, TAB NZ must revoke all betting licences previously issued to greyhound racing clubs in relation to any racing dates that fall due on or after that date.
11 Section 125 amended (Restriction on use of certain names)
After section 125(1)(i), insert:
(j)
“Greyhound Racing Transition Agency”.
12 Section 127 amended (Crown not liable for debts)
In section 127(1), after “Racing Integrity Board,”
, insert “the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency”
.
13 Schedule 1 amended
In Schedule 1,—
(a)
insert the Part set out in the Schedule 1 of this Act as the last Part; and
(b)
make all necessary consequential amendments.
14 New Schedule 1A inserted
After Schedule 1, insert the Schedule 1A set out in Schedule 2 of this Act.
Amendment to Ombudsmen Act 1975
15 Principal Act
Section 16 amends the Ombudsmen Act 1975.
16 Schedule 1 amended
In Schedule 1, Part 2, insert in its appropriate alphabetical order:
Greyhound Racing Transition Agency
Part 2 Amendments that commence on 1 August 2026
17 Section 3 amended (Purposes)
In section 3(a)(iii), replace “, harness, and greyhound”
with “and harness”
.
18 Section 4 amended (Outline)
In section 4(3)(a) and (b), delete “3”
.
19 Section 5 amended (Interpretation)
(1)
In section 5(1), definition of equalisator betting, delete “or greyhounds”
.
(2)
In section 5(1), repeal the definition of greyhound race.
(3)
In section 5(1), definition of participant,—
(a)
paragraph (b)(i), replace “stablehand, or a person working at a greyhounds kennel”
with “or stablehand”
:
(b)
paragraph (b)(ii), replace “standardbred horses, or greyhounds”
with “or standardbred horses”
:
(c)
paragraph (b)(iii), replace “standardbred horse, or greyhound”
with “or standardbred horse”
:
(d)
paragraph (b)(iv), replace “harness racing, or greyhound racing”
with “or harness racing”
.
(4)
In section 5(1), definition of race, replace “harness race, or greyhound race”
with “or harness race”
.
(5)
In section 5(1), definition of racing code or code, repeal paragraph (c).
(6)
In section 5(1), definition of recognised industry organisation, repeal paragraph (c).
(7)
In section 5(1), definition of totalisator racing betting, paragraph (a), delete “or greyhounds”
.
20 Section 13 amended (Membership of Racing New Zealand)
Repeal section 13(1)(c).
21 Section 15 amended (Functions of racing codes)
In section 15(1)(a)(iv), replace “horses, and greyhounds”
with “and horses”
.
22 Section 37 amended (Racing rules)
(1)
In section 37(5)(b), delete “and greyhounds”
.
(2)
In section 37(5)(d), delete “greyhounds,”
.
23 Section 55 amended (Governing body of TAB NZ)
In section 55(1)(a)(i), replace “Harness Racing New Zealand Incorporated, and New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association Incorporated”
with “and Harness Racing New Zealand Incorporated”
.
24 Section 71 amended (Amounts of distribution to codes)
(1)
In section 71(1), replace “all”
with “both”
in each place.
(2)
In section 71(2)(a), replace “3 codes”
with “2 codes”
.
Part 3 Amendments that commence by Order in Council
25 Section 3 amended (Purposes)
Repeal section 3(aa).
26 Section 4 amended (Outline)
Repeal section 4(3)(i) and (j).
27 Section 5 amended (Interpretation)
(1)
In section 5(1), replace the definition of governing body with:
governing body, in relation to TAB NZ, means the governing body appointed under section 55
(2)
In section 5(1), repeal the definitions of Agency member, Greyhound Racing Transition Agency or Agency, GRNZ, specified greyhound, and transition plan.
28 Section 24 amended (Transfer of assets on dissolution of club)
Repeal section 24(4).
29 Section 34 amended (Racing code may determine that racing club is no longer racing)
Repeal section 34(5).
30 Subparts 5 and 6 of Part 2 repealed
Repeal subparts 5 and 6 of Part 2.
31 Section 125 amended (Restriction on use of certain names)
(1)
Repeal section 125(1)(i) and (j) and (9).
(2)
In section 125(10), replace ““trotting”, or “greyhound racing””
with “or “trotting””
.
32 Section 127 amended (Crown not liable for debts)
In section 127(1), delete “the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency”
.
33 Schedule 1A repealed
Repeal Schedule 1A.
34 Consequential amendments
Amend the legislation specified in Schedule 3 as set out in that schedule.
Schedule 1 New Part 3 inserted into Schedule 1
s 13
Part 3 Provisions relating to Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2025
30 Interpretation
In this Part,—
Agency means the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency established by section 53B (as inserted by section 10 of the amendment Act)
amendment Act means the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2025
commencement means the commencement of Part 1 of the amendment Act.
31 Annual report of Agency for 2025–26 racing year
(1)
This clause applies in relation to the annual report of the Agency under section 53I (as inserted by section 10 of the amendment Act) for the period beginning on commencement and ending with the close of the 2025–26 racing year.
(2)
The Agency may combine its annual report for the 2025–26 racing year with its annual report for the 2026–27 racing year.
32 Disestablishment of Agency
(1)
The Agency is disestablished on close of 31 July 2029 or any later date specified by Order in Council made under subclause (2).
(2)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister,—
(a)
specify the date on which the Agency is disestablished; and
(b)
provide for the distribution of any residual assets held by the Agency to the other racing codes.
(3)
The date specified under subclause (2)(a) must not be later than the close of 31 July 2031.
(4)
An order made under this clause is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Schedule 2 New Schedule 1A inserted into principal Act
s 14
Schedule 1A Provisions relating to Greyhound Racing Transition Agency
s 53E(7)
1 Duties of Agency members
An Agency member, when exercising powers or performing duties as an Agency member, must act—
(a)
in good faith; and
(b)
with reasonable care, diligence, and skill; and
(c)
with honesty and integrity.
2 Appointment of deputy chairperson
(1)
The Minister may appoint an Agency member as the deputy chairperson.
(2)
A person appointed as deputy chairperson holds that office until the person—
(a)
dies, or resigns from that office; or
(b)
is removed from that office by the Minister; or
(c)
ceases to be a member.
3 Resignation and removal from office
(1)
An Agency member may resign from office by giving written notice to the Minister.
(2)
The Minister may, by giving written notice to the member, remove the member from office at any time, without compensation, for inability to perform the duties of office, bankruptcy, neglect of duty, or misconduct, proved to the satisfaction of the Minister.
(3)
The Minister may only remove a person under subclause (2) after the Minister has given the person an opportunity to be heard.
4 Effect of vacancy in membership
The functions and powers of the Agency are not affected by any vacancy in the membership of Agency.
5 Remuneration
Agency members must be paid, out of the funds of the Agency, remuneration by way of fees, allowances, or expenses as determined by the Minister.
6 Liability of members
(1)
An Agency member, or a person who is a member of any committee of the governing body, is not personally liable—
(a)
for any liability of the Agency or the governing body; or
(b)
for any act done or omitted to be done by the Agency or the governing body in good faith in the performance or intended performance of the functions or powers of the Agency or the governing body.
(2)
An Agency member, and every member of any committee of the governing body, is indemnified by the Agency—
(a)
for costs and damages for any civil liability arising from any action brought by a third party, provided that the member was acting in good faith and in the performance or intended performance of the functions or powers of the Agency; and
(b)
for costs arising from any successfully defended criminal action.
7 Acts may not be called into question
No person may question any of the following in any proceedings on the grounds that the occasion for the appointment of the person had not arisen or had ceased:
(a)
an appointment of a chairperson:
(b)
an act done by an Agency member while acting as a member:
(c)
an act done by the Agency while an Agency member is acting as a member.
8 Obligation to disclose interest
(1)
An Agency member who (except as a member) has a direct or an indirect interest in any of the matters listed in subclause (2) must, as soon as practicable after the Agency member knows about the relevant facts, disclose the nature of the interest in accordance with clause 10.
(2)
The matters are—
(a)
the Agency’s performance of its functions or exercise of its powers:
(b)
an arrangement, agreement, or contract made or entered into, or proposed to be made or entered into, by the Agency.
9 Meaning of interested
An Agency member is interested in a transaction to which the governing body is a party if the member—
(a)
is a party to, or will or may derive a material financial benefit from, the transaction; or
(b)
has a material financial interest in another party to the transaction; or
(c)
is a director, officer, or trustee of another party to, or a person who will or may derive a material financial benefit from, the transaction; or
(d)
is the parent, child, spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner of another party to, or a person who will or may derive a material financial benefit from, the transaction; or
(e)
is otherwise directly or indirectly materially interested in the transaction.
10 Disclosure of interest
(1)
An Agency member must, immediately after becoming aware of the fact that the member is interested in a transaction or proposed transaction with the Agency, cause to be entered in the interests register, and disclosed to the governing body,—
(a)
the nature and monetary value of the Agency member’s interest if the monetary value is able to be quantified; or
(b)
the nature and extent of the Agency member’s interest if the monetary value cannot be quantified.
(2)
A general notice entered in the interests register or disclosed to the Agency to the effect that an Agency member is a shareholder, director, officer, member, or trustee of another named company or other person and is to be regarded as interested in any transaction that may, after the date of the entry or disclosure, be entered into with that company or person is a sufficient disclosure of interest in relation to that transaction.
11 Consequences of disclosure
An Agency member who discloses an interest under clause 10—
(a)
must not vote or take part in any deliberation or decision of the governing body relating to the matter; and
(b)
must be disregarded for the purpose of forming a quorum for that part of a meeting of the governing body during which a deliberation or decision relating to the matter occurs or is made.
12 Effect of non-compliance
If an Agency member fails to comply with the disclosure requirements in clauses 8 to 11, the validity of a transaction entered into by the Agency is not affected by that fact.
Confidentiality of information
13 Confidentiality of information
(1)
An Agency member must not disclose to any person, or make use of or act on, any information that is available to the Agency member only in that capacity.
(2)
Subclause (1) does not apply if an Agency member—
(a)
is required or authorised by this Act or any other Act to disclose, use, or act on the information; or
(b)
discloses, uses, or acts on the information for the purposes of the Agency or the requirements of the law.
14 When member may rely on certain information and advice
(1)
An Agency member, when exercising powers or performing duties as an Agency member, may rely on reports, statements, financial data, and other information prepared or supplied, and on professional or expert advice given, by any of the following:
(a)
a person whom that member believes on reasonable grounds to be reliable and competent in relation to the matters concerned:
(b)
any other Agency member or committee on which that member did not serve in relation to matters within that member’s or committee’s designated authority.
(2)
Subclause (1) applies to an Agency member only if the Agency member—
(a)
acts in good faith; and
(b)
makes proper inquiry if the need for inquiry is indicated by the circumstances; and
(c)
has no knowledge that the reliance is unwarranted.
Procedure and meetings
15 Procedure generally
Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the Agency may regulate its own procedure.
16 Dates, times, and places of meetings
(1)
The governing body or the chairperson must appoint the dates, times, and places for meetings of the governing body and give notice of those meetings to each Agency member who is not present when the appointment is made.
(2)
The chairperson, or any 2 Agency members, may at any time call a special meeting of the governing body by giving at least 7 days’ notice (or lesser notice if all Agency members agree) of the special meeting, and of the business to be transacted at the meeting, to each Agency member for the time being in New Zealand.
(3)
Notice of a meeting—
(a)
must be written, and state the date, time, and place of the meeting; and
(b)
may be given by post or electronically; and
(c)
must be sent to the Agency member’s last known address in New Zealand.
(4)
No business other than that stated in a notice of special meeting may be transacted at that meeting.
17 Methods of holding meetings
A meeting of the governing body may be held—
(a)
by a number of the Agency members who constitute a quorum being assembled together at the place, date, and time appointed for the meeting; or
(b)
by means of audio, or audio and visual, or electronic communication by which all Agency members participating and constituting a quorum may simultaneously communicate with each other throughout the meeting.
18 Quorum
(1)
A quorum for a meeting of the governing body is a majority of the Agency members holding office at the time that the meeting is held.
(2)
No business may be transacted at a meeting of the governing body if a quorum is not present.
19 Who presides at meetings
(1)
The chairperson must preside at all meetings of the governing body at which the chairperson is present.
(2)
If the chairperson is not present, or if there is no chairperson, the deputy chairperson (if one has been appointed), if present, must preside.
(3)
The Agency members present must appoint one of their number to be the chairperson for the meeting if—
(a)
the chairperson is not present or there is no chairperson; and
(b)
no deputy chairperson has been appointed.
(4)
A person appointed under subclause (3) has and may exercise all the powers, duties, and functions of the chairperson for the purposes of the meeting.
20 Voting at meetings
All resolutions of the governing body must be decided by a majority of the votes cast.
21 Resolutions
(1)
A resolution in writing signed or assented to by letter or email by all Agency members is as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Agency duly called and constituted.
(2)
The resolution may consist of several documents in like form, each signed or appearing to have been sent by 1 or more Agency members.
Method of contracting
22 Method of contracting
(1)
A contract or other enforceable obligation may be entered into by the Agency as stated in subclauses (2) to (5).
(2)
An obligation that, if entered into by an individual, would be required to be by deed may be entered into on behalf of the Agency in writing, signed under the name of the Agency by—
(a)
2 or more Agency members; or
(b)
1 or more attorneys appointed by the Agency in accordance with clause 23.
(3)
An obligation that, if entered into by an individual, is required to be in writing may be entered into on behalf of the Agency in writing by a person acting under the Agency’s express or implied authority.
(4)
An obligation that, if entered into by an individual, is not required to be in writing may be entered into on behalf of the Agency in writing or orally by a person acting under the Agency’s express or implied authority.
(5)
This clause applies to a contract or other obligation—
(a)
whether or not that contract or obligation was entered into in New Zealand; and
(b)
whether or not the law governing the contract or obligation is the law of New Zealand.
23 Attorneys
(1)
The Agency may, by an instrument in writing executed in accordance with clause 24(1), appoint a person as its attorney either generally or in relation to a specific matter.
(2)
An act of the attorney in accordance with the instrument binds the Agency.
Delegations
24 Ability to delegate
Power to delegate
(1)
The Agency may, by writing either generally or specifically, delegate any of the functions or powers of the Agency to a committee of the governing body or to any person.
(2)
However, the Agency may not delegate any of the following powers:
(a)
the power of delegation in subclause (1):
(b)
the power to grant a power of attorney.
Effect of delegation
(3)
A person to whom any functions or powers are delegated under subclause (1) may carry out those functions or exercise those powers in the same manner and with the same effect as if they had been conferred on the person directly by this Act and not by delegation.
(4)
Subclause (1) is subject to any direction given, or condition imposed, by the Agency.
(5)
A person who appears to act under a delegation under subclause (1) is, in the absence of proof to the contrary, presumed to be acting in accordance with the terms of the delegation.
Other matters relating to delegation
(6)
A delegation under subclause (1)—
(a)
is revocable at will, but the revocation does not take effect until it is communicated to the delegate; and
(b)
does not prevent the Agency from performing the functions or exercising the power.
Committees
25 Committees
(1)
The governing body may, by writing, appoint a committee to—
(a)
advise the governing body on any matters relating to the Agency’s functions or powers that are referred to the committee by the governing body; or
(b)
perform or exercise any of the Agency’s functions or powers that are delegated to the committee under clause 24(1).
(2)
The governing body may, by resolution, alter, discharge, continue, or reconstitute a committee appointed under subclause (1).
(3)
Committee members may be Agency members or other persons.
(4)
A committee may regulate its own procedure, subject to any direction from the governing body.
(5)
Clauses 7 to 22 apply to the committee.
Employees
26 Appointment of chief executive
(1)
The governing body may appoint a chief executive.
(2)
The chief executive must be appointed on the terms and conditions that are determined by the governing body.
27 Appointment of other employees
(1)
The chief executive may appoint the employees, including employees on secondment from other organisations, that the chief executive thinks necessary for the efficient performance of the Agency’s functions, and may negotiate the terms and conditions of employment of those employees.
(2)
Subject to the terms and conditions of employment, the chief executive may at any time terminate or suspend the employment of any of the Agency’s employees.
28 Superannuation or retiring allowances
For the purpose of providing a superannuation fund or retiring allowances for its employees, the governing body may pay sums by way of a subsidy or a contribution into any retirement scheme (within the meaning of section 6(1) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013).
Schedule 3 Consequential amendments to other legislation
s 34
Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 (1981 No 47)
In Schedule 3, item relating to the Racing Industry Act 2020, replace “Harness Racing New Zealand, and New Zealand Greyhound Racing Association”
with “and Harness Racing New Zealand”
.
Goods and Services Tax Act 1985 (1985 No 141)
In section 5(11CB), delete “or greyhound”
.
Income Tax Act 2007 (2007 No 97)
Repeal section CW 47(1)(d).
Kumeu District Agricultural and Horticultural Society Act 1991 (P) (1991 No 1)
In section 4(2)(a)(iii), delete “and greyhound racing”
.
Local Government (Rating) Act 2002 (2002 No 6)
In Schedule 1, Part 1, clause 4(b), replace “, harness races, or greyhound races”
with “or harness races”
.
In Schedule 1, Part 2, clause 2, replace “, harness races, or greyhound races”
with “or harness races”
.
Ombudsmen Act 1975 (1975 No 9)
In Schedule 1, Part 2, repeal the item relating to the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency.