Winston Peters Stands Firm on Greyhound Racing Ban

New Zealand’s Racing Minister, Winston Peters, is standing by his decision to ban greyhound racing despite potential legal challenges. While the industry is set to close by July next year, he has assured that thoroughbred and harness racing will not face similar restrictions.

Winston Peters went on to announce, in December, an abiding ban on greyhound racing on the grounds of alleged animal welfare issues and poor practices adopted in the industry. Some regions, such as New South Wales, have seen similar bans overturned, but Peters has signaled that New Zealand would not be going that route.

Speaking on Trackside Television’s Guerin Report on Monday night, he acknowledged that Greyhound Racing New Zealand is preparing to challenge the ban in court.

“I have just heard they are going to take me on, possibly in court. Well, let’s see,” Winston Peters said. “Because I am not having an ego contest here. I am concerned as an animal lover. While there are some responsible ones, there are too many events which are inexplicable and not satisfactory.”

He stressed that the decision was his alone and not influenced by political agreements. He consulted with multiple political parties, and Parliament supported the ban without opposition.

“There is no politics in the decision. There is a lot of unhappiness in it,” Winston Peters stated.

“Sometimes decisions in politics are really difficult.”

While animal welfare concerns activists have also called for restrictions on horse racing, Winston Peters dismissed the likelihood of such measures.

“There are some people, you will never satisfy them. They would stop everything if they could,” he said, addressing groups advocating for an end to thoroughbred and harness racing.

Winston Peters emphasized that horse racing differs from greyhound racing, noting horses naturally run and citing animal welfare concerns.

“Horses will race in the middle of the night, whether you like it or not. In every wild circumstance or free circumstance, a horse will go for a run,” he said. “Over thousands and thousands of years, there has been this strong connection between men and women and horses.”

Winston Peters assured the industry that the government does not view horse racing in the same way as greyhound racing.

Beyond the greyhound racing ban, Winston Peters discussed upcoming legislative changes designed to support New Zealand’s racing industry.

One significant change is a new law restricting overseas betting operators from accepting wagers from within New Zealand. Expected to pass by May, this law will result in a $100 million payment to the New Zealand TAB from Entain, which manages TAB’s daily operations under a 25-year agreement.

Winston Peters emphasized that the goal is to maximize financial returns for the industry and strengthen its role in the economy.

“We discussed it with other parties across the political divide and said we are not here to do anything but get the industry to its maximum returns,” he said.

Having served three terms as Racing Minister, Winston Peters continues to take an active role in shaping the industry’s future.

His previous tenure saw increased funding for major racing events, while his second term led to the commissioning of the Messara Report and the construction of three synthetic racetracks, which have become essential during winter.

Looking ahead, Winston Peters is focused on modernizing the industry.

“It is no longer racing or any other sport, it is entertainment,” he said, stressing the need to attract broader audiences.

Winston Peters is determined to stay in the New Zealand racing industry regardless of the hurdles he must face.

“The world has changed dramatically. This country seriously needs experience in politics,” he said. “I want to be out there and getting stuck in as hard as I can and being involved as much as I can.”

With the greyhound racing ban set to take effect in July and further legislative changes on the way, the future of New Zealand’s racing industry remains a key focus for Winston Peters and the government.