Restructure for NZ Breeders Association

Media Release - Thursday September 7
Changes are afoot at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Association.

"Like a lot of organisations in this day and age we have to reposition ourselves in the marketplace to be better placed going forward, without losing sight of the fact that we are still a key player in the thoroughbred Industry by representing the breeders," president John Fokerd said.

"Over the next few months, we will relocate to shared premises in Hamilton with New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing alongside the Te Rapa racecourse."

A new business and operations development manager will be appointed and some administrative and support services will be shared with NZTM. A new part-time chief executive will also be appointed to work in Hamilton.

"In this new digital age we feel the need to look for skills that are more appropriate to conducting business in the modern world today," Fokerd said.

"After 23 years of outstanding service to the NZTBA, our current CEO Michael Martin will be leaving his position in mid-September and our office manager Nicola Griffiths will remain with us until the end of October while we transition to the offices in Hamilton."

"During his time with the Association, Michael has worked very effectively for the New Zealand breeder, he has been a real champion for the cause and our Association will be forever grateful for his input.

"He has served with integrity under six presidents including Ross Finlayson, Arthur Ormond, John Aubrey, Peter Hutt, Peter Francis and myself. Michael is well respected by all the many sector groups, industry committees, politicians and lobbyists he has worked alongside on behalf of our Association."

Advertisment
More Reading...
Breeding To Win – 2025 G1 AJ Moir Stakes
The Valley blasts into spring G1 action with the running of the $750,000 AJ Moir Stakes WFA at 1000m, and it's always an exciting spectacle when a full field of flyers are going full bore on the turning track!
Kiwi Melbourne Cup Contender Kicks off at The Valley
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday.
Expensive Super Seth 3YO Bolts in by Five!
Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths.
Grail Seeker Chasing Another G1
Top quality performer Grail Seeker will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level.
Mitchell McKenzie Colts Showcase
All eyes will be on the $175,000 Listed MVRC Mitchell McKenzie Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday with an intriguing field of nine colts and geldings all vying for that all important first stakes win.
Sires With Winners - Thursday September 4
Here is the full list of 27 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Justify Mare Wins $250,000 Wyong Mona Lisa Stakes
A big field of 14 mares went around in the $250,000 Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m) at Wyong on Friday and the race produced a thrilling finish with less than two lengths separating  the first eight over the line with Just Feelin’ Lucky taking the prize.
Sires With Winners - Friday September 5
Here is the full list of 41 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Wyong
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton stable have been running hot into spring and unleashed a talented Wootton Bassett (GB) colt at Wyong on Friday that bolted in to win by nearly five lengths.
Melbourne Cup Ciaron Maher Stable Also in the Hunt
Earlier this week we ran a story on the Chris Waller trained entries for this year’s Melbourne Cup and today we’re taking a look at the trainer with the next biggest number of contenders and that is Ciaron Maher with 13.