Thoroughbred figures Humphries and Lawrence added to NZ Establishment Board

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has made two key appointments to the body charged with shaping major structural reforms of the two equine codes.

Paul Humphries, the chair of NZTR, and fellow director Dean Lawrence will represent the interests of thoroughbred racing on the Establishment Board, which will also consider the governance model of Harness Racing New Zealand.

The pair will join TAB NZ Advisory Committee member Greg Tomlinson, TAB NZ deputy chair Wendie Harvey and TAB NZ chief commercial and industry officer Jason Fleming as inaugural members of the Establishment Board.

Chaired by Dean McKenzie, who will act as the independent chair, the Establishment Board was formed last week to examine how best the racing codes can operate sustainably in the long-term.

Harness Racing NZ will also have two representatives on the board.

Humphries, who succeeded Russell Warwick as chair of NZTR, brings commercial and governance experience. He has also a long involvement in thoroughbred racing as an owner, breeder, sponsor and administrator. 

He has previously held administrative roles at a club level and as chair of the NZTR Members’ Council.

“Dean and I understand the importance of this work and the responsibility we have to represent the interests of thoroughbred racing while contributing constructively to a stronger future for the wider racing industry,” Humphries said.

“We will bring a thoroughbred perspective to the Board, informed by the needs of our participants, clubs, owners, breeders, punters and communities.”

Lawrence has extensive racing administration experience with backgrounds in the public and international sectors.

He has held senior roles with Inland Revenue and is currently on the panel of experts for the International Monetary Fund in revenue and tax administration. He has also been president of the Otago Racing Club.

The Establishment Board’s formation is the result of lobbying from various parties calling for change to the way New Zealand racing is run, with the Sir Peter Vela-led TAB NZ Advisory Committee releasing a report making a swathe of recommendations.

They include the merger of the two administrative bodies NZTR and Harness Racing NZ.

Any recommendations made by the Establishment Board will remain subject to the approval of the relevant organisations and any applicable governance, consultation or statutory requirements.

In a statement last Friday confirming the Establishment Board, TAB NZ chair Bill Birnie described the move as a landmark moment for the racing industries.

“This is the most important step New Zealand racing has taken in decades and an enormous amount of work was undertaken to get here,” he said.

“The right mechanism is now in place to evaluate the best structures for New Zealand racing and how they can sustainably deliver growth for participants. 

“The opportunities for racing in this country are substantial and the Board will consider a diverse range of options.”