24 | Mission statement The 2015 Melbourne Cup won by New Zealand bred Prince of Penzance. President of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, John Thompson, from Rich Hill Stud, in Walton, says the organisation is advancing many strategic issues on behalf of its members and the wider equine sector. Leading an organisation that has, at its core, goals and aspirations dating back to its inception in 1949, through a global pandemic has brought its fair share of challenges, however with a strong management team, led by CEO Justine Sclater, day to day business has continued, albeit with some changes. “To think that the mission statement, espoused at the rst AGM in January 1949, still holds true to this day, is something we are all very proud of,” says John. ‘To encourage, promote, advance generally and ensure co-operative efforts in all matters pertaining to the production and improvement of the Thoroughbred and the interests of the Thoroughbred breeders,’ still guides the activities of the organisation. These include working on: • Environmental impacts, including climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater farm plans, the array of council by-laws and farm environmental plans. • Civil Defence. • IRD GST implications of Thoroughbred coownership. • Welfare and traceability working closely with other industry and equine stakeholders. • Immigration and employment • Education and animal Health. “Thoroughbred breeders are classed as farmers with compliances such as fresh water farm plans and nitrate leaching into the environment. Horses are not ruminants and don’t contribute to these problems the way cattle do, so we are working on having these matters resolved with regional council,” John explains. Using various digital platforms – Mailchimp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc NZTBA members are regularly updated on the work and lobbying the association does on their behalf. “It is important that we educate, and encourage members by providing them with up to date information so they can make their own informed decisions. Within the sector there is also considerable research being undertaken regarding bio-security and equine health and most excitedly, engaging young people to enter the industry through the development of training programmes and scholarships. “We see this as an essential way to future-proof and give further status to the breeding sector.” RURAL PEOPLE » NZTBA Sue Russell In her annual report Justine focussed on training as key to securing the NZTBA’s long-term success, in an ever-changing world, shaken up by Covid, and all the challenges that has brought. ‘The NZTBA have put an increased emphasis on education over the past 12 months – continuing to develop and promote a viable and rewarding career pathway in the thoroughbred industry while continuing to upskill existing industry participants. It is evident that the wider public has little or no knowledge of thoroughbreds or the industry, possibly due to the increased rural-urban divide. If the thoroughbred industry can’t engage, recruit and retain new talent in the industry, staf ng issues ampli ed by Covid-related problems will only worsen and become permanent’, Justine wrote. And it has been heartening to see that the initial target of 20 students into the Equine Breeding Course grew to 33 enrolled. By presenting at career expos, visiting schools and engaging with careers advisors, there’s a sense that real advances have been made to secure this important strategic goal. The NZQA Level 3 and 4 courses are being delivered the Primary ITO. Currently in New Zealand there are 3868 registered Broodmare owners producing annually 3,128 foals, there are 111 registered thoroughbred stallions in New Zealand. John says the quality of progeny produced here is second to none. Annually over 1300 thoroughbreds are exported, predominantly to Australia. “We produce some of the world’s best and there’s strong demand at sale time for our yearlings from markets such as Hong Kong and Australia. Just look at our track-record at events such as the Melbourne Cup.” To be leading the organisation at a time when there are so many important advances being made is especially important to John, who has been President since 2018, but involved at council level for many years before. “When you consider our organisation is made up of hard-working dedicated volunteers at Council level and a small team of professionals taking care of its day to day running, I’m incredibly proud to have an opportunity to contribute.” Asked just why our horses do so well overseas, John says the answer lies in all aspects of our breeding and training programme. “Our foals enjoy the very best conditions to grow up in. Our natural environment sets us out from the rest for sure. Our climate is unique where horses enjoy being outside all their life.” Considering that champion race mare ‘Verry Elleegant’ – the winner of the 2021 Melbourne Cup was conceived for just a $500 stud fee, it’s an industry that can engage a wide audience. “We produce some of the world’s best and there’s strong demand at sale time for our yearlings from markets such as Hong Kong and Australia. Just look at our track-record at events such as the Melbourne Cup.” Proud to support the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association and all our primary industry clients. Legal specialists in primary industries with expertise in commercial, property matters and disputes. That's why we take the time to get to know you. We know that people are at the heart of every business Our number one goal, to take the fear out of accounting. Good business is built with good people. The team at Shelley Tweedy & Associates are passionate about business and the clients they serve. 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