With a $1.6 billion contribution to the New Zealand economy, over 600,000 Kiwis enjoying our great sport each year, more than 58,000 participants and just shy of 15,000 full time equivalent jobs - it’s fair to say we’re a pretty big industry!

Those are also some pretty big numbers, so let’s break them down a little further. The New Zealand racing industry is responsible for generating a $1.63 billion value-added return to the New Zealand economy per year, with thoroughbred racing accounting for 67% of this total. Just over 70% of this contribution occurred in the North Island, with Waikato (28.4%) and Auckland (24.7%) representing the key regional areas of racing related economic activity.

From employees to participants and volunteers, 58,100 passionate individuals are directly involved with racing in New Zealand, with 34,700 involved with the thoroughbred sector. The unique and diverse skill sets of participants is reflected in the fact that many hold more than one role within the industry. Of those 58,000, just shy of 11,000 people volunteer their time and resources for our industry.

The New Zealand Racing Industry is responsible for sustaining 14,398 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs across the country, 9,600 of which are within the thoroughbred sector. These totals represent the employment sustained as a direct result of racing activity, as well as the supply industries who meet demands created by racing in New Zealand - think veterinary practices and feed suppliers. The FTE positions sustained by racing result in more than $743 million in wages and salaries annually. 

The numbers are big and so is the impact racing has on so many industry participants’ lives.  Again this demonstrates just how many people play a part in every horse’s life #onehorsemanyhearts

The figures used in this article and accompanying graphic were taken from the report ‘Size & Scope of the New Zealand Racing Industry’, prepared by IER for the New Zealand Racing Board in 2018.