New Zealand Shuts Greyhound Racing, Launches NZ$60M Transition And Rehoming Program

New Zealand has ended commercial greyhound racing after decades of operation, with a legally binding ban taking effect on August 1, 2026. TAB New Zealand is funding a NZ$60 million, or about $35 million, transition program that will manage the industry’s closure and rehome around 1,400 dogs.

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Racing Ends Ahead Of Legal Ban

The greyhound race came to an end on July 31, one day before the legal prohibition took effect. This has been made public by the government through a statement released on Friday, where it stated that domestic greyhound races have ended.

According to Racing Minister Winston Peters, the transition program will not be funded by taxpayers. This will be handled by TAB NZ using money, which was supposed to go into the domestic greyhound race, but now the money will be used to facilitate closure.

According to the process, the Greyhound Transition Agency will be involved in rehoming the dogs and in funding the owners and trainers taking care of the dogs.

Greyhound Transition Agency Role

The Greyhound Transition Agency is responsible for overseeing the adoption program and the process of closure. The agency will work in cooperation with existing expert organizations in order to find new homes for the dogs and assist owners and trainers in the process.

Peters stated that the agency has a well-defined plan, sufficient funding, and works together with recognized experts organizations. It should be functioning until July 2029 and then may be granted an additional period of up to 2 years more if needed.

The strategy demonstrates the government’s attempt to control not only the end of racing but also the well-being of animals involved, instead of just closing the industry.

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Legislative Framework And Reasons For Closure

The decision to end greyhound racing follows legislation passed by Parliament in April, backed by all political parties. The government had first announced its intention to close the industry in December 2024, citing persistently high injury rates despite reforms introduced by racing authorities.

Peters said 3 independent reviews over the past decade had found death and injury rates at levels considered unacceptable. Those findings contributed to the decision to move from reform to closure.

The legislation sets out how Greyhound Racing New Zealand and affiliated racing clubs will be wound down. It transfers relevant responsibilities, assets, and staff to the transition agency as the industry closes, providing a legal structure for the process.

Betting Rules After Domestic Racing Ends

Although domestic greyhound racing has ended, TAB NZ is still permitted to take bets on greyhound races held overseas. At the same time, offshore betting operators are barred from accepting greyhound racing wagers from customers located in New Zealand.

The approach allows regulated domestic betting on overseas events through TAB NZ while preventing unregulated offshore operators from targeting New Zealand customers for greyhound racing. With the racing ban in place and the transition agency active, the country’s focus now shifts to completing the rehoming program and implementing the legislative framework for closure over the coming years.

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Source: Asia Gaming Brief