North Island request their own administration

[Addington]

2 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Hello cuties, latest update, Im told survey results & forum feedback approx 500 Northern participants, will be shared this week with HRNZ leadership.

There is a feeling of excitement, enthusiam & hope. Wonder if these findings will be made public? And who will be leading - doing the presenting? Guess Cambridge. Gosh could be ackward, pending how its presented. Anyway wish the North luck.

Ps if anyone hears anything further pls sing out. 

Given Chair is from up that way he must be treading a fine line on this one. Also doing the rounds is that he and Woodham have apparently snared a trip offshore to Scandinavia to some conference. Given the parlous state of industry payouts is this a wise use of industry funds if true?

[Happy Sunrise]

9 hours ago, Rusty said:

the numbers of average punters (not directly involved with the horses or their connections) attending on-course have decreased year on year. 

At most meetings, you can count the number of actual punters (not attendees for a picnic or there for a watch) on one hand. 

[Happy Sunrise]

2 hours ago, karrotsishere said:

Gosh could be ackward

It is not awkward. Woodham spouted that he listens to participants when he first got the position which is all part of the leadership model these new-wave modern leaders adhere to until they have to hear about their own failings.

[Happy Sunrise]

9 hours ago, Rusty said:

I attend most Addington meetings, and in my opinion, I reckon the glory days ended about 25 years ago. Slowly but surely since then, the numbers of average punters (not directly involved with the horses or their connections) attending on-course have decreased year on year. 

I read once that Gary Woodham had a share in Pathfinder and it took part in the Superstars 4-year-old championships. If you are old enough to remember those races with Trident, Captain Cavalla, Laser Lad, Floyd, and Here Comes Duke then you would know what Addington was like at a good time. I wonder why he doesn't think back to those days and try to create those races - maybe he is with the handicapping of the new events.

[Lightning Blue]

I think each Island governing itself with own handicapper (who knows all the trainers and their needs) is essential , or everything will keep closing.

Each state of Australia has it's own handicapper and governing body that can do 'what's best' for the harness racing in their state.

Vic, NSW, QLD and WA doing well whereas SA and TAS have issues at the moment. 

A great idea for each 'catchment' in NI and SI,  to try and maintain a set level (number) of trainers and horses in racing work. Think it's about 500 around Brisbane so we are able to run 5 meetings per week , every week,  to cater for EVERY class horse (important) .

The North Island needs to keep 300 odd in work to run 3 meetings per week . And make it consistant. Horses need to be able to race week to week to pay bills (or have a chance of paying the bills)  

[karrotsishere]

5 hours ago, Addington said:

Also doing the rounds is that he and Woodham have apparently snared a trip offshore to Scandinavia to some conference. Given the parlous state of industry payouts is this a wise use of industry funds if true?

Ok so asked my source re this overseas rumour & they havent heard it.

However they said it could be true as the meeting this week they said is via zoom.  

[karrotsishere]

On 4/3/2023 at 9:45 PM, Happy Sunrise said:

You would think HRNZ would learn after the debacle of the handicapping of some of the major races last year eg Invercargill Cup and its back mark and the NZ Cup, but no, they are at it again.

The first race is on April 21!

The timing (and logic) of these decisions is mystifying.

https://www.hrnz.co.nz/news/two-northern-features-to-be-run-as-handicaps/

Saw a twitter post by G Knight that he disagrees with these changes. He also stated he knows for a fact the Hopes are not happy about it also being so close out to the actual date/s making these changes.

Edited April 5, 2023 by karrotsishere

[Happy Sunrise]

15 minutes ago, karrotsishere said:

Saw a twitter post by G Knight that he disagrees with these changes. He also stated he knows for a fact the Hopes are not happy about it also being so close out to the actual date/s making these changes.

Questions,

Why do HRNZ do this? 

Do they not remember the trouble over the same matter from last year?

[karrotsishere]

41 minutes ago, Happy Sunrise said:

Questions,

Why do HRNZ do this? 

Do they not remember the trouble over the same matter from last year?

Dunno. Maybe this is why so many people are feeling the way they are & want change and now.

Anyway whats the go with The Race? Taking a peak & tickets sales must be slow, as still all packages available & also general admin 2nd release available.

Have Camb been too busy mopping up all the other mess left by others, that they havent been able to focus totally on The Race?

Such an easy sell with M James playing after party. I don't understand. No one outside of horse racing that Iv been whatsapping who is a local Waikato has heard about it. But upon hearing M James will be playing are seriously considering going. Heck I told someone 40s & I said tell your son/daughter & the person said hell no, I wanna go myself.  M James rocks.

Camb need to utlize this last week and go hard! Last minute dash. Tips for them.

Have their team who are mostly young & female team go to the bars in Hamilton. Pick 1 or 2 the most popular ones. Put up flyer up that shows M James & The Race, if they can walk around telling people about it be good too. Or give the owner or manager free tickets or something and in exchange that person can tell people about it next weekend.

Call up or email work places that have alot of younger people work there. Hamilton is what the 4th largest city in NZ. Also what about those smaller rural towns eg Te Awamutu, Otorohonga - what about putting up a flyer at main local & same thing re tell bar staff, or manager, ask them to promote in exchange free tickets.

There are so many companies to target that Im sure the young ones would love to go. (could even be those tractor driving places that have young dudes, that are single, on high paying jobs & just go sit around drink at pubs on their days off, as have deposible incomes. Go sit at The Race & drink next Fri 14th. Even workforce like the Police. Heck lots of young ones there, that party (drink) on their days off. Hit up the local Waikato station or East Waikato station. There are so many places to target.

What about Hair Salons to get females in. Have a Camb staff member go in & drop off a flyer & tell them about it.

Very embarrassing if the crowd is not BIG. It should be huge.  Stop targeting the already converted, get the message out beyond that.

[karrotsishere]

Here the latest update re The Race & after party. A stage will be set up on the track after the last race The Big one at 9pm. And the after party will be on the track in home straight. How fun! Wish I was going. Be Karrots booging down to M James. 

Ticket sales are going well, and they Cambridge are confident they will sell 5000 be a sell out crowd.

Shame no Lous in The Race. Shame The Bartender wasnt ready for it. Heard he had an op, on leg or something. So spelling recovering. 

[Happy Sunrise]

1 hour ago, karrotsishere said:

The Race

No Matter Wot drawn 1 will test her manners and gait enormously. She would never have experienced what is about to happen at Cambridge at the start and around the bends. Hard to see not throwing in a few rough ones.

[karrotsishere]

Was just thinking about the after party M James stage on track & people partying on track. Guess they will put down a fake lawn or something, wouldnt want to get glass on track. 

Heard a DJ duo George FM be playing too in between races from middle of program. Sounds like party. Fun times at Cambridge.

Gee those Skylounge tkts are $350. If your aged between 18 - 45 you wouldnt want to be stuck up there, with all the old timers. You want to be down with all the party action ha. Im laughing as posting this on here. Having a bit of a stir lol.

Edited April 6, 2023 by karrotsishere

[karrotsishere]

Wow wee, just watched Mile at Camb & what a beaut race it was. I'm more used to mile racing now & like that Camb are adapting & putting on shorter distance racing. Better use of the current horse population, can back up week after.

How good was it tho. What blistering speed Copy That showed down the back. Nicolas Cage held up & pushed back at a vital stage. Looked like he could of possibly gone with them too ...

BD Joe, did well, went with them, but got pumped out 4 wide, then 3 wide last corner, that was telling. Old Town Road was big too, worked hard early & moved with them. Akuta a nice run too.

What was the driver of Simply Sam trying to do? Weird tactics fresh up - Gut buster. Wonder if he was instructed to set it up for stable mate Copy That to swoop? A Poutamu isn't the best with stable driving, recall him trying to set it up on Tommy Lincoln for Copy That, staying in-front at all costs, but failed miserably, only to fade & held Copy That up & Amazing Dream won. That's 1 reason why I don't like stable driving. Its such a bad look.

How good is N Rasmussen. Shes my top rated driver. So good. Nice to see Self Assured get the win.

[karrotsishere]

127 noms for the big nite of champions.

Noted last nite had 12 races, so plenty of noms. Back to back Camb meetings.

Says just 8 races. 

Cambridge becoming the main stage track in North is starting to take shape.

Good money too for Cambridge.

Makes it look like its a case of people just not wanting to race at Alex P small fields & all.

On a different note Son Of Mac shares are available. Who is heading off to Aus to compete in Victoria Derby & Breeders. 

Edited April 7, 2023 by karrotsishere

[karrotsishere]

Back to subject. 

My money is on North Island getting their own administration set up or something similar. 

Happy, Rusty, Addy who usually we all agree on topics have disagreed they wont be sucessful in this desire.

Anyone else back North Island getting their own representatives with me, Lightening is a for thinks it will happen. 

Before casting your vote, Iv taken into consideration voting board.

2 from ATC, 2 independants, plus C Bray & Chairman (from Waikato), thats majority needed there 6 of 8. 

[Globederby19]

On 4/5/2023 at 2:32 PM, karrotsishere said:

Saw a twitter post by G Knight that he disagrees with these changes. He also stated he knows for a fact the Hopes are not happy about it also being so close out to the actual date/s making these changes.

Our own syndicate and trainer has questioned them, especially as it puts MM back 20 mtrs . The times they run these days it is almost impossible to make up that hdcp, with those in front running along.  They have  from all accounts changed their mind after vociferous opposition. 

[Happy Sunrise]

34 minutes ago, Globederby19 said:

They have  from all accounts changed their mind after vociferous opposition. 

If true, and without even considering the rights and wrongs of the change, it is ridiculous they backtrack once again on a decision like this. 

Are they foolish or just fools?

[Globederby19]

Yep, the Lyall Creek has been reverted back to mobile but the Anzac stays as hcp. 

[karrotsishere]

1 hour ago, Globederby19 said:

They have  from all accounts changed their mind after vociferous opposition. 

Wonder how the meeting went this week, you know re leadership was voted top improvement needed.

Guessing voting & any announcements re North Island would be in a month or so.

Feel the force is strong with North Island getting their own management.

Edited April 9, 2023 by karrotsishere

[Lightning Blue]

18 minutes ago, karrotsishere said:

Wonder how the meeting went this week, you know re leadership was voted top improvement needed.

Guessing voting & any announcements re North Island would be in a month or so

Well like any company you need a solid 'Boardroom ' to drive the projection home. (Robertson, Taylor , Fleet were fantastic running AKLD back in the day for many years) you need driven people like that. that are fans of the sport. and not just businessmen making a buck.

Brisbane would of been in trouble years ago but have had Seymour (and Mrs ) , a very smart wealthy man (and woman) driving every improvement and keeping the place afloat. along with Garrards.

The crippling debt at Auckland now will see them callapse ultimately ?? is that the feeling. ?? if they close/sell Franklin Track where will those trainers go that use it now ? seems a death blow to me if more trainers depart. numbers too light now.

Maybe the Cambridge area the only place to survive North Island ?

[karrotsishere]

On 4/9/2023 at 9:11 PM, Forbury said:

I would love someone to get back more grass racing in the north as Salish is just the best unbelievable really.jeez I've won some on him.hes such a great driver on the grass

Agree. And yes he is the grass track specialist. Lighter weight perhaps the key? As well as gd tactics on grass.

Agree. Suspect that grass getting track racing back in North was voted a priority after many meetings were taken away. But cant confirm for sure. In any case once North get own management team (hypothetically speaking) to focus on North, those running it can put pressure on TAB etc to get back. Was TAB wasnt it that took away to centralize. They can really go into bat for North re TAB. Is it true majority of punters live in North? But bet on South? Therefore  money is coming from North to pay the South. Eg punters money majority comes from North, but stake prize money lions share is given to South. Thats what I heard.

On 4/9/2023 at 9:02 PM, Lightning Blue said:

Well like any company you need a solid 'Boardroom ' to drive the projection home. (Robertson, Taylor , Fleet were fantastic running AKLD back in the day for many years) you need driven people like that. that are fans of the sport. and not just businessmen making a buck.

Brisbane would of been in trouble years ago but have had Seymour (and Mrs ) , a very smart wealthy man (and woman) driving every improvement and keeping the 

Agree. Took a look at the board & some are just corporates, not ness have Harness expert knowledge. Therefore agree must have those that have a passion & not self interest at heart or conflict of interest. Or matey with people. Noticed there is 6 of 8 live in North on Board. How did that happen? Not fair needs to be an even split 4 North, 4 South. 

If North get their own team to take charge & control with Branch running the ship, one would think it would be steered in right direction. Its exciting really the prospect for them. 

Edited August 18, 2023 by karrotsishere

[Happy Sunrise]

Here it is.

https://harnesslink.com/new-zealand/cambridge-raceway-forums-provide-blueprint-for-ni-industry-change/

[Rusty]

1 hour ago, Happy Sunrise said:

Here it is.

https://harnesslink.com/new-zealand/cambridge-raceway-forums-provide-blueprint-for-ni-industry-change/

Looks good. 

D Branch is a massive asset to the sport. 

Honestly, why isn't he running HRNZ? 

Only a matter of time? 

 

[Happy Sunrise]

So did harness racing leadership/policy create this or did harness racing itself create this?

I wouldn't be too concerned about growth, I would simply try to maintain existing numbers for a start. I also wonder what the minimum threshold for the North is?

[karrotsishere]

10 hours ago, Happy Sunrise said:

Here it is.

https://harnesslink.com/new-zealand/cambridge-raceway-forums-provide-blueprint-for-ni-industry-change/

Thanks for sharing. See Karrots on the money hehe. Looks really good. Well done to D Branch & his team at Cambridge. Agree Rusty D Branch for CEO HRNZ. Thats a good idea having 2 from each club for the North Island Group. That way ATC cant try & take it over, but could be out-voted ha. The full report says they have requested their grass track meetings back. Interesting that majority of those partook in survey were owners at 85%. Aging population too mostly NZ European (93%), males (72%) aged over 60 years. Big enthasis on getting young people involved also as per full report. Here is a good quote on full report “Definition of insanity - doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. Things need toc hange, and fast!

Under full report Strategic Issues or Opportunities identified as Priorities

1. Improve governance and leadership of HRNZ
(e.g. review costs, staff and operations; increase listening and action; address integrity issues & conflicts of interest) Voted - 266 Priority 1st

A survey was sent to a database of North Island harness racing participants generating a healthy 446 responses with over 119 hours of input.  The workshops were conducted in early March at both Palmerston North and Karaka, with in-person attendance reaching around 80+ industry stakeholders.

“S Beaman presented this report to the Board of HRNZ on Thursday and it was well received,” said Branch.

“We have a commitment from HRNZ that they will come back to North Island stakeholders with a response to the report following their next Board meeting which will be held at the end of April,” he said.

1. Raise governance and leadership awareness and obtain a commitment to change

d) Do HRNZ and TAB want harness racing to be successful and sustainable into the future? If so, they need to commit to driving change.

2. Develop a formal North Island collaboration group with ongoing two-way communication.

b) Makeup should include two individuals from each of the three key regions (Manawatu, Auckland, Waikato/BOP) that collectively reflect the varying stakeholder groups (e.g., trainers, drivers, owners, breeders, clubs, sponsors, metro and country, large and small industry players, gender mix, and diversity of age and experience) and including a respected independent person as Chair.

3. Create dedicated North Island focus and accountability within HRNZ

4. Quickly review and make change to the handicapping and ratings system

a) Get a small taskforce of people with the necessary expertise (e.g. HRNZ currently involved, stakeholder voice, retired experts etc) to quickly address the current system so it starts to deliver more fairly.

Here is an interesting stat - in full report

Who we heard from
• From across the North Island, mostly NZ European (93%), males (72%) aged over 60 years (58%) and with over 20 years involvement (73%) in Harness Racing.
• We heard mostly from owners (85%) and breeders (37%), along with various licence holders (39%), some sponsors (7%) and some club committee/staff (8%) across the North

What to Stop:
• Ending back-to-back race meet schedules

What to Keep and the value of grass track racing

5. Develop an integrated North Island Calendar and influence its implementation
a) Get a small taskforce of people with the necessary expertise (e.g. HRNZ NI rep, NI collaboration group across all 3 regions, TAB rep, modern marketing expert etc) to develop a revised racing calendar.