Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) has been asked to consider the inclusion of Harness racing within its proposed Greenfield racing development in Tamahere.
The invitation to consider a dual-code opportunity reflects ongoing national discussions under Project Stamina – a collaboration between New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and TAB NZ – which is developing a unified master plan for the future of New Zealand’s racing infrastructure.
WTR Chair Bruce Harvey said the request had been received and would be considered carefully and thoughtfully.
“This is new information for many in our community and we want to be very clear – no decisions have been made as yet but we are exploring the opportunity in collaboration with our partners NZTR and HRNZ”, Mr Harvey said.
“Our focus remains on progressing a modern, fit-for-purpose thoroughbred racing and training facility for the Waikato. However, we acknowledge NZTR’s request and the wider national conversation occurring through Project Stamina about the long-term sustainability of racing infrastructure across both codes.”
WTR has selected a preferred Greenfield site on Pencarrow Road, Tamahere, and is currently undertaking due diligence and community engagement with neighbouring landowners and the wider public.
WTR with support from NZTR is also preparing to lodge a Referral Application under the Fast Track consenting regime with the aim of submitting in mid-April 2026. The Fast Track process is designed to streamline approvals for projects with regional and national benefits.
Because of the current resource consent timeline for the Waikato Greenfield development, WTR has been asked to consider now whether a dual-code solution – sharing infrastructure where appropriate – should form part of the proposal before the project advances further through the approvals process.
Project Stamina, launched in July 2025, signalled a strategic shift from reactive maintenance of ageing venues toward long-term, future-focused investment across both thoroughbred and harness racing. The initiative is examining how infrastructure can better reflect usage patterns, ownership arrangements and the long-term needs of the industry. Findings are expected by mid-2026.
Mr Harvey said WTR understood the importance of aligning regional decisions with national strategy.
“We recognise the intent behind Project Stamina – to ensure racing infrastructure across New Zealand is sustainable and fit for the future,” he said.
“At the same time, this is a significant project for our local community. Any potential expansion in scope would need careful assessment, including operational, financial, planning and community considerations.
“Our commitment is to proceed transparently, to continue engaging with our neighbours and stakeholders, and to ensure any decisions are made in the best interests of the Waikato and the wider industry.”
Project Stamina context
A dual-code solution sits within the framework of Project Stamina, a joint initiative launched in July 2025 by NZTR, HRNZ and TAB NZ.
Project Stamina was established to develop a unified master plan for the future of New Zealand’s racing infrastructure, shifting from reactive maintenance to long-term, future-focused investment across both racing codes.
The terms of reference for Project Stamina emphasise:
- strategic, national-level planning of racing venues
- long-term sustainability and financial viability
- ]optimising the use of infrastructure across codes
- considering shared or consolidated facilities where appropriate
- ensuring infrastructure supports a thriving future for racing in New Zealand
Findings from Project Stamina are expected by mid-2026.
“Project Stamina is about bold, future-focused decision-making,” Mr Harvey said.
“The question NZTR has put to us is consistent with that approach – asking whether this Greenfield development could potentially support both codes and deliver long-term benefits for the wider industry.”
Current status of the Waikato Greenfield project
WTR has selected a preferred site on Pencarrow Road, Tamahere, and is currently:
- undertaking due diligence on the site
- engaging with neighbours and the wider community
- preparing to lodge a resource consent application under the Fast Track approvals process
WTR has been advised that the Fast Track approvals process is the preferred consenting pathway for this project as this provides a streamlined process for projects considered to have regional and national benefits. Further updates will be provided as discussions progress.
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