New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, in conjunction with Dean McKenzie, is thrilled to announce the establishment of the NZTR McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship, commencing in November 2023.

Jointly funded by NZTR and Dean McKenzie, the Scholarship offers a $10,000 award to support promising students connected to the Thoroughbred racing industry in their educational pursuits. The primary objective is to nurture future leaders for the benefit of New Zealand’s racing industry.

The Scholarship aims to support motivated and passionate individuals who aspire to pursue a Commerce or Law degree at a university in New Zealand.

Dean McKenzie, co-benefactor of the Scholarship, commented on its significance for the future leaders of New Zealand’s racing administration.

“The future success of our industry is heavily influenced by good business decisions being made more often at all levels of our sport, and the greater the skills the people making those decisions have, the better chance we all have of good decisions being made on a more regular basis - that simply benefits everyone.”

“Having started my own administrative journey straight out of university in a voluntary capacity at a country Club, I fully appreciate the value that well educated, enthusiastic people, who have an affinity with the sport, can bring at all levels.

“Having a connection and love for Thoroughbred racing is an attribute we simply cannot have enough of at all levels in administration and hopefully this Scholarship can play a role in the future to broaden the number of administrators who have that passion and background.

“Some of the best administrators I have observed over the years like Allan Fenwick, Sir Peter Vela and the late Campbell Moncur, all had the love of our sport and the desire to leave it in a better place than they found it at the heart of all they did.

“We need more people of that elk involved in the generations to come if we are going to be the best we can be,” McKenzie said.

Eligibility criteria include recent high school graduates who have gained acceptance into an accredited New Zealand university for an upcoming academic year, with plans to pursue a Commerce or Law degree.

Applicants must demonstrate a tangible connection to the New Zealand Thoroughbred Industry, whether it be through community involvement, employment, family ties, or other means.

The application deadline is set for Friday 17 November 2023, with required materials being a cover letter and CV.

NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Sharrock, is pleased to see the Scholarship target a sought-after demographic within our industry.

“The NZTR McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship is a one-time award of $10,000, open exclusively to incoming first-year undergraduate students.”

“Working alongside Dean, NZTR has committed to awarding the Scholarship for a five-year period on an annual basis to create a pathway for young talent entering our industry.

“The recipient of this Scholarship will also be encouraged to commit to future volunteering, if not otherwise employed full time in some capacity in the industry.

“We are looking forward to following the journeys of our future recipients as they embark on their careers in racing after completing their studies,” Sharrock said.

Legal residency in New Zealand is a prerequisite for eligibility. The selection process involves a review by a Panel, administered by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

For appeals or inquiries about this Scholarship, contact NZTR Internal Operations Manager Sam Fursdon via [email protected]  or call 0274369670.

Applications close Friday 17 November 2023

View the NZTR McKenzie Future Leaders Scholarship Terms and Conditions here.