The Hāwera racecourse has been earmarked for closure following the release of Project Stamina, a joint strategy from New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Harness Racing New Zealand and TAB NZ.
Released on Tuesday, the masterplan proposes shutting down up to seven racetracks and a dozen non-racing training venues across the country.
Industry leaders argue the sector is currently over-venued and under-capitalised.
They believe capital and operating expenditure is being spread too thinly, and that closing under-used facilities will allow for better investment in a smaller number of high-quality tracks.
Hāwera joins Trentham, Rotorua, Manawatū, Gore, Oamaru and Wyndham on the proposed chopping block.
Outgoing New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing chair Russell Warwick said the report provides an evidence-based roadmap that puts the long-term interests of the industry first.
"This is about ensuring New Zealand racing has the infrastructure it needs to thrive for decades to come," Warwick said.
He noted that standing still wasn't a viable option for the codes.
"This plan gives us the opportunity to invest where it will deliver the greatest long-term benefit for participants, horses and the wider industry," Warwick said.
Harness Racing New Zealand chair Grant Jarrold echoed those sentiments. He stated that the collaboration between the codes was a defining feature of the project and stressed that the proposal provides a unified direction linking strategy, investment and implementation.
"This is not simply another review," Jarrold said.
he national bodies have confirmed that the release of Project Stamina marks the start of a long consultation phase. Meetings with affected clubs, including those in South Taranaki, are expected to take place over the coming weeks to discuss business cases and local impacts.
Historically, Hāwera has been a key hub for trainers, breeders and owners throughout South Taranaki and the Coast. Losing the venue would force local racing professionals to travel further north to New Plymouth, or out of the region entirely, for track work and race days.
