The greyhound racing industry in New Zealand is mobilising to challenge a government ban set to take effect in July 2024. Trainers and owners across the nation express their concern and disappointment, seeking to overturn the decision through legal channels. In Rakaia, greyhound trainers Tony Hart and Dylan Voyce remain cautiously optimistic about their prospects, despite the looming restrictions that threaten their livelihoods.

The impending ban was announced by Winston Peters, the Racing Minister, late last year. Hart and Voyce care for approximately 50 greyhounds, training and racing them as part of their daily operations. “We are devastated about it,” Hart stated, emphasising the shock felt within the industry. The trainers are now pinning their hopes on a judicial review initiated by Greyhound New Zealand, which is scheduled for an interim injunction hearing on August 14. If granted, this injunction could temporarily halt any actions taken to enforce the ban until a resolution is reached.

Hart and Voyce, along with their partner and retired veterinarian Donald Arthur, question the government’s rationale for the ban, which is based on animal welfare concerns. Arthur argues that if greyhound racing is to be prohibited, similar measures should extend to other sectors, such as horse racing and livestock farming, where animals also face potential welfare issues.

Greyhound New Zealand asserts on its website that “greyhounds are born to run and they love to compete.” This philosophy is evident in the daily routines of trainers like Hart, who has been involved in the industry for 40 years, and Voyce, who has been training for five years. Their Rakaia property features state-of-the-art facilities valued at around $1 million, designed with the well-being of the dogs in mind. The property includes rearing yards for young dogs, a whelping pen equipped with a heat pump, and insulated kennels that provide comfort in varying weather conditions.

The dogs are treated with exceptional care, receiving specialized diets and massages prior to races, which Hart jokingly says means they are “fed better than I do.” The trainers also take pride in rehoming retired greyhounds, typically around the age of four to five. Voyce owns a retired champion named Bolty, illustrating the bond between trainers and their canine athletes. They find joy in watching Bolty and his friend Regal Birdie, who is up for adoption, playfully anticipate their travels to the racing track.

The potential closure of the industry raises significant economic concerns. Hart and Voyce estimate that their operations alone contribute tens of thousands of dollars annually to the Mid Canterbury economy. Plans for a new $3.5 million straight racing track at the Ashburton Raceway were abandoned following the announcement of the ban. Voyce has also had to reduce his workforce, laying off one of his two employees.

Financial implications extend beyond the trainers, as Greyhound Racing New Zealand anticipates the closure could cost taxpayers upwards of $40 million. This expense would primarily arise from the need to care for an estimated 1,500 greyhounds that would require rehoming after the ban.

In terms of animal welfare, Greyhound New Zealand reports that serious injuries and fatalities in racing have decreased in recent years, with only nine deaths recorded last year, a significant drop from 62 deaths in the 2018-2019 period. This equates to one fatality for every 2,507 race starts, which the organization claims is lower than the fatality rates in horse racing. From the current racing season, there have been eight euthanasias due to injury and five deaths from medical events post-race.

Attempts to verify the organization’s claims regarding comparative death rates have been met with responses from Harness Racing New Zealand and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. The latter reported 18 horse fatalities from 26,010 starters during the previous season, and both organizations argue that comparing the mortality rates of dogs and horses is misleading due to their differing physiological needs.

As the greyhound racing community strives to overturn the ban, their focus remains on the well-being of the dogs and the future of the industry. The outcome of the judicial review will be pivotal in determining whether the trainers of Rakaia and their counterparts across New Zealand can continue their passion for racing and caring for these animals.

Liam Lawson delivered an impressive performance at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing in eighth place and marking his third points finish of the 2025 Formula One season. The Kiwi driver outperformed his Racing Bulls teammate, Isack Hadjar, who struggled to make an impact during the race.

Lawson’s journey to the top was not without challenges. He qualified one position behind Hadjar but executed a crucial overtake at a pivotal moment as drivers transitioned from wet to slick tyres. This strategic move allowed Lawson to gain an advantage and prompted his team to pit him first. He seized the opportunity, securing four championship points as Hadjar fell behind, crossing the line last on the track.

Race Dynamics and Team Strategies

The Belgian Grand Prix showcased the intense competition within Red Bull Racing, particularly with speculation surrounding a potential future partnership between Lawson and Max Verstappen. Hadjar has not scored points in four consecutive races, a stark contrast to Lawson’s performance, which includes a career-best sixth place finish in Austria. The disparity in their results raises questions about Hadjar’s position in the team as Lawson continues to shine.

Lawson’s eighth-place finish at Spa-Francorchamps adds to his growing reputation in the sport. With Hadjar’s last notable finish being seventh in Spain, the pressure mounts as both drivers aim to solidify their roles within the team. The dynamics between the two teammates will be critical as the season progresses and opportunities for advancement arise.

As the Formula One season unfolds, Lawson’s consistent performance highlights his potential to rise within the ranks of Red Bull Racing, while Hadjar’s recent struggles may prompt a reassessment of his future with the team. The upcoming races will be crucial for both drivers as they seek to secure their positions and chase their championship ambitions.

The Wellington Phoenix emerged victorious in a thrilling contest against their opponents during the first round of the Australia Cup on March 15, 2024. Despite facing a late equaliser, a significant lightning delay, and torrential rain, the Phoenix secured their win following a dramatic penalty shootout.

The match, held in Perth, showcased the determination of both teams. The Phoenix took an early lead, but as the game progressed, the conditions deteriorated. Rain poured down, contributing to a tense atmosphere, and a sudden lightning storm prompted a brief halt in play.

When the match resumed, the opposing team managed to equalise in the dying moments, pushing the game into penalties. Fans braced for an intense finish as both sides prepared for the shootout under challenging weather conditions.

In the penalty shootout, the Wellington Phoenix demonstrated remarkable composure. They converted all their attempts while their goalkeeper made a crucial save that sealed the victory. The final score in penalties was 4-3, marking a significant achievement for the team as they advance further in the tournament.

This win not only highlights the team’s resilience but also sets the stage for their upcoming matches in the Australia Cup. The Phoenix will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a deeper run in the competition.

Fans and analysts alike praised the Phoenix for their performance under pressure, with many noting the team’s ability to maintain focus despite the adverse weather conditions. Coach Ufuk Talay commended his players for their grit and determination, stating, “This team has shown they can handle tough situations, and tonight was a testament to that.”

The Wellington Phoenix will continue their campaign in the coming weeks, with their next match scheduled for March 22, 2024. As they prepare, the players will undoubtedly draw on the experience gained from this challenging encounter.

New Zealand swimmer Erika Fairweather faced an abrupt end to her title defense in the 400m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore on March 17, 2024. The 21-year-old athlete was disqualified after officials ruled she committed a false start in the third heat. Despite finishing fourth with a time of 4 minutes 3.39 seconds, Fairweather’s performance would have qualified her for the final, placing her sixth overall.

The disqualification came as a shock to Fairweather and her supporters. International broadcasters highlighted her movement at the start, noting that even minimal early movement can lead to disqualification under current regulations. In this instance, the officials determined that Fairweather’s early motion violated the competition’s rules.

“I think the call is technically correct,”

noted one commentator during the live broadcast, emphasizing the challenges of interpreting the start rules. The official guidelines on what constitutes a false start can sometimes be ambiguous, leading to contentious decisions.

In stark contrast, American swimmer Katie Ledecky, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist and the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history, showcased her dominance by qualifying first in the same event. Ledecky clocked an impressive time of 4 minutes 1.04 seconds, demonstrating her consistent excellence in the pool.

The disqualification marks a disappointing moment for Fairweather, who has worked tirelessly to defend her title. As the competition continues in Singapore, her absence from the final will be felt, particularly as she has been a rising star in international swimming.

The World Aquatics Championships serve as a significant platform for swimmers worldwide, and Fairweather’s experience underscores the high stakes within competitive swimming. With the event continuing, many eyes will be on Ledecky and other top contenders as they vie for medals and recognition in this prestigious arena.