Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2026
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Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2026
Public Act |
2026 No 12 |
|
Date of assent |
9 April 2026 |
|
Commencement |
see section 2 |
Contents
The Parliament of New Zealand enacts as follows:
1 Title
This Act is the Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2026.
2 Commencement
(1)
This Act comes into force on 10 April 2026.
(2)
(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).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 2(1): editorial change made by the PCO, on 22 April 2026, under sections 86(1) and 87(m) of the Legislation Act 2019 (2019 No 58).
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, 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 notice given under subsection (2) must include information about the minimum standards that persons responsible for the welfare of dogs must achieve in order to meet their obligations under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, as set out in any applicable code of welfare for dogs issued under section 75 of that Act.
(4)
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 purpose 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 the welfare and rehoming outcomes for specified greyhounds, including (without limitation) information relating to—
(i)
the number of specified greyhounds successfully rehomed (whether privately or through a rehoming agency) and the number awaiting rehoming:
(ii)
the number of euthanasias or deaths of specified greyhounds while awaiting rehoming:
(iii)
the agencies that have been responsible for rehoming; and
(c)
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 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 “greyhound races,”
with “overseas greyhound races,”
.
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), replace the definition of race with:
race means—
(a)
a galloping race or harness race, whether held in or outside New Zealand:
(b)
an overseas greyhound 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, replace paragraph (a) with:
(a)
bets are made by means of a totalisator on—
(i)
horses competing in 1 or more races, whether held in or outside New Zealand; or
(ii)
greyhounds competing in 1 or more overseas greyhound races; and
(8)
In section 5(1), insert in its appropriate alphabetical order:
overseas greyhound race means a race held outside New Zealand and that involves the competitive pursuit of a lure by 2 or more 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 74AAA amended (Prohibition on offering betting to persons in New Zealand)
After section 74AAA(2), insert:
(3)
No offshore betting operator may take a bet from a person in New Zealand on an overseas greyhound race or a domestic greyhound race.
(4)
In subsection (3),—
bet and offshore betting operator have the meanings given in section 105
domestic greyhound race means a race held in New Zealand and that involves the competitive pursuit of a lure by 2 or more greyhounds, whether held for commercial or recreational purposes.
25 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”
.
Consequential amendments to secondary legislation
26 Principal regulations
27 Regulation 5 amended (Distribution from betting profits)
In regulation 5(1)(b)(i), replace “3 racing codes”
with “2 racing codes”
.
28 Principal regulations
29 Regulation 11 amended (Distribution of consumption charges)
In regulation 11(1)(c), replace “3 racing codes”
with “2 racing codes”
.
Part 3 Amendments that commence by Order in Council
30 Section 3 amended (Purposes)
Repeal section 3(aa).
31 Section 4 amended (Outline)
Repeal section 4(3)(i) and (j).
32 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.
33 Section 24 amended (Transfer of assets on dissolution of club)
Repeal section 24(4).
34 Section 34 amended (Racing code may determine that racing club is no longer racing)
Repeal section 34(5).
35 Subparts 5 and 6 of Part 2 repealed
Repeal subparts 5 and 6 of Part 2.
36 Section 125 amended (Restriction on use of certain names)
(1)
(2)
In section 125(10), replace ““trotting”, or “greyhound racing””
with “or “trotting””
.
37 Section 127 amended (Crown not liable for debts)
In section 127(1), delete “the Greyhound Racing Transition Agency”
.
38 Schedule 1A repealed
Repeal Schedule 1A.
39 Consequential amendments
Amend the legislation specified in Schedule 3 as set out in that schedule.
Schedule 1 New Part 3 inserted into Schedule 1
Part 3 Provisions relating to Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2026
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 2026.
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.
(3)
In this clause, commencement means the commencement of Part 1 of the amendment Act.
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 former participants in the greyhound racing industry.
(3)
An order under subclause (2)—
(a)
must be made before 31 July 2029:
(b)
may not specify a date that is later than the close of 31 July 2031.
(4)
Before making a recommendation under subclause (2)(b), the Minister must consider advice from the Agency about—
(a)
the former participants, or classes of former participants, who should be eligible for the distribution of any residual assets held by the Agency; and
(b)
the shares in which the distribution should be made.
(5)
An order made under this clause is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(6)
In this clause, former participant, in relation to the greyhound racing industry, means a participant (within the meaning of that term in section 5(1)) who was registered with GRNZ immediately before 1 August 2026.
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this clause | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
33 Continuation of Board’s functions and powers in respect of former greyhound racing
(1)
During the transitional period, the Board and any persons employed or appointed by the Board,—
(a)
may continue to perform the Board’s compliance and adjudication functions set out in section 44(1)(a) to (f) in respect of greyhound racing conducted by GRNZ before 1 August 2026; and
(b)
for that purpose, may continue to exercise all the powers conferred on the Board or the person under section 44(3).
(2)
Despite anything in the amendment Act, GRNZ Rules of Racing continue in force until the end of the transitional period for the purposes of resolving any complaints or completing any investigations or adjudicative processes (including appeals) in accordance with those rules that were commenced by the Board or any adjudicative committee or appeals tribunal before 1 August 2026 but not completed by that date.
(3)
Any penalty imposed or costs awarded by an adjudicative committee or an appeals tribunal during the transitional period may be filed in the District Court and enforced as an order or judgment of that court.
(4)
The Governor-General may, by Order in Council made on the recommendation of the Minister, make regulations specifying the end date of the transitional period.
(5)
The Minister may not make a recommendation under subclause (4) unless the Minister has received a report from the Board that the Board and any adjudicative committee or appeals tribunal have no further functions to perform under this clause.
(6)
An order made under this clause is secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
(7)
In this clause,—
Board means the Racing Integrity Board established under section 42
GRNZ Rules of Racing means rules made by GRNZ under section 37 and in force immediately before 1 August 2026
transitional period means the period that—
(a)
starts on 1 August 2026; and
(b)
ends with the commencement of Part 3 of the amendment Act or any earlier date specified by Order in Council made under subclause (4).
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this clause | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114 | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
34 Review of amendments relating to betting conducted by TAB NZ on overseas greyhound races
(1)
The Minister must, as soon as practicable after the commencement of Part 3 of the amendment Act,—
(a)
carry out a review of the operation of the amendments relating to betting conducted by TAB NZ on overseas greyhound races (the relevant amendments); and
(b)
prepare a report on that review.
(2)
The review must consider—
(a)
the purposes of this Act and the impact of the relevant amendments on the objectives of TAB NZ and on former participants in the New Zealand greyhound racing industry; and
(b)
whether any amendments to this Act are necessary or desirable; and
(c)
any other matters that the Minister considers appropriate.
(3)
The Minister must ensure that, during the review, the people and organisations that the Minister thinks appropriate are consulted.
(4)
The Minister must present the report to the House of Representatives as soon as practicable after it has been completed.
Schedule 2 New Schedule 1A inserted into principal Act
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 the 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
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 (1991 No 1 (P))
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.
Legislative history
13 October 2025 |
Introduction (Bill 208–1) |
|
11 November 2025 |
First reading and referral to Primary Production Committee |
|
13 March 2026 |
Reported from Primary Production Committee (Bill 208–2) |
|
24 March 2026 |
Second reading |
|
31 March 2026 |
Committee of the whole House |
|
2 April 2026 |
Third reading |
|
9 April 2026 |
Royal assent |
This Act is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.
Versions
Racing Industry (Closure of Greyhound Racing Industry) Amendment Act 2026
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