New Zealand Greyhound Racing Ban Takes Effect

New Zealand has officially brought the curtain down on almost eight decades of commercial greyhound racing, with the final race meeting taking place at Whanganui's Hatrick Raceway. However, as domestic operations cease, a group of trainers is preparing to move up to 150 greyhounds across the Tasman Sea to continue competing in Australia.

The nationwide shutdown follows years of persistent animal welfare concerns and three independent reviews highlighting high injury and fatal casualty rates. Racing Minister Winston Peters pointed out that public backing for the sport had completely eroded, noting a fatal incident at Christchurch's Addington venue during the sport's final week as a grim example of why the ban was legislated.

"There was clear, strong support from most New Zealanders that ending greyhound racing was the right thing to do," Peters said, calling for citizens to support rehoming efforts. "Let that be the last death of a racing dog, and we encourage Kiwis to get onboard in providing these greyhounds with a loving home and a brighter future."

The Air Transport Plan to Australia

Despite the domestic shutdown, between six and ten New Zealand trainers are opting to relocate their operations to Australia, where greyhound racing remains legal in almost every state and territory.

Governing body Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) confirmed it plans to fund two chartered flights to transport as many as 150 racing dogs to eastern Australian states, while owners and trainers will handle the remaining moving costs. This follows an earlier charter flight in April 2025 that brought 80 greyhounds into Queensland.

A spokesperson for Racing Minister Winston Peters labeled the transport plans "the last gasp actions of a dying industry."

We understand a small number of dogs are being exported to Australia, but the vast majority (1,300 to 1,400) will be rehomed over the next couple of years," the spokesperson stated. "This is a one-off final act rather than an ongoing issue."

GRNZ Chief Executive Edward Rennell defended the industry's historical track record while outlining the support being provided to departing trainers:

"I will go to my grave saying that the greyhound welfare standards are the best of any racing code in New Zealand," Rennell stated. "We will be supporting people that are looking to transfer over."

Australian border authorities noted that the incoming dogs are processed under standard biosecurity protocols as "companion animals" regardless of their intended athletic use once inside the country.

Political and Welfare Pushback Down Under

The planned influx of racing dogs has sparked concern among Australian lawmakers and animal protection organizations, who warn the move could exacerbate an existing canine rehoming crisis.

Australian Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi expressed frustration over regulatory loopholes, stating she was "deeply concerned about loopholes that allow the continued export of racing dogs to this country that neither New Zealand nor Australia seem to care about."

Kylie Field, director of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds, highlighted that Australian rescue networks are already stretched thin trying to find homes for thousands of retired racers locally.

Transition Agency Steps In for Remaining Dogs

For the estimated 1,400 greyhounds staying in New Zealand, responsibility falls to the newly formed Greyhound Transition Agency (GTA). Backed by a NZ$60 million transition fund sourced from TAB betting revenues rather than taxpayer money, the GTA will support trainers and owners financially while managing adoption pipelines through July 2029.

"The GTA has a clear plan – the Greyhound Rehoming Project – is fully funded and is working with established expert organisations who have been rehoming racing industry greyhounds for years," Peters confirmed.

While domestic tracks have permanently closed, TAB New Zealand will still allow residents to place wagers on international greyhound races, keeping a link open to Australia's much larger betting market.