The Board of NZ Thoroughbred Racing has welcomed the confirmation of the members of Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA) by Racing Minister Winston Peters.

Mr Peters announced the appointments following yesterday’s passing of the Racing Reform Bill.

To provide continuity and maintain the momentum for change RITA will be comprised of former Ministerial Advisory Committee members Dean McKenzie (chair), Bill Birnie, Liz Dawson, Kristy McDonald and Sir Peter Vela, with the addition of Anna Stove.

“We congratulate the appointees and look forward to working with RITA as the industry works through this important transitional phase,” NZTR chairman Alan Jackson said

“RITA has an extremely challenging workload ahead and we will be making every effort to support it.”

Mr Peters said that RITA, with transitional powers, will enable the urgent changes required to drive the racing industry towards a financially sustainable future.

“Mr McKenzie’s experience, dedication and passion to improving the industry make him the ideal choice to lead this very important work,” Mr Peters said.

Mr Peters expects that Ms Stove will bring a fresh perspective to RITA, along with her extensive experience in leading and driving transformational change. 

“The appointed Board members have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the racing industry, sport at a national level, and the commercial and legal expertise to manage devolution of assets, functions and responsibilities,” Mr Peters said.

RITA will lead the transition of the racing industry to its future state and manage the day-to-day operations of the industry and for an expected period of 12 months.