13 June 2000 Media Statement

Racing Minister Announces Taskforce Members

Racing Minister Annette King today announced the members of the three taskforces she has established to examine racing industry funding, administration and development.

Mrs King set up the three taskforces at a Community Racing Forum attended by more than 100 community racing club and community representatives at the Beehive on June 1. Each taskforce has an independent chair and 10 members, with one taskforce based in the area from Taupo north, the second in Central Districts and the third in the South Island.

The northern taskforce will be chaired by retired judge Ken Mason, the central districts taskforce by Palmerston North lawyer Mike Behrens QC, and the southern group by former Speaker Sir Kerry Burke.

“I have been delighted by the support shown by the industry for these taskforces, and I want to thank everyone who has been in touch with my office to offer their recommendations for membership,” Mrs King said.

“I am particularly grateful to the Racing Industry Board for agreeing to fund these taskforces and I look forward to being kept informed of progress as they tackle the important issues confronting the racing industry.

“Each taskforce will examine racing industry funding, administration and development and will call for written submissions from interested parties. A significant advertising campaign and mail-out will begin in the next few days.

“The independent chairs will play a very important role in the deliberations and I want to thank them particularly for their commitment.”

Mrs King said that once each taskforce had made its recommendations, the independent chairs would meet to produce one report. This report would be presented to her toward the end of August.

The members of the Task Forces are:

Representing North of Taupo Central Districts South Island
A Harness Brian Meale Gary Allen Mike Godber
A Gallops Peter Grieve Mary-Anne Edwards Brian Kinley
B Harness Charlie Hunter Mike O’Brien Geraldine Stanbury
B Gallops Tony Enting David Jewell John Rosevear
C Gallops Jim Watters Carey Hobbs Tony Dennis
D Harness Derek Vane Mary Colman Peter Burns
D Gallops Dick Stevenson Paul Williams Tony Connors
Greyhound Ron Dent Malcolm Jansen Ian Woodhouse
RIB -(professionals, owners and breeders) Thayne Green Tom Jamison Stephen O’Driscoll
TAB – (punters, public) David Wilks Stuart Cashen Campbell Moncur
Chair Ken Mason Mike Behrens QC Hon Sir Kerry Burke

NB. Submissions on the funding policy and racing administration must specifically refer to existing policies. Please send all submissions or requests for copies of ‘How to Make a Written Submission’ to: The Department of Internal Affairs, PO Box 805, WELLINGTON

ENDS

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