Avondale Jockey Club seeks legal clarity on land and racing future

Avondale Jockey Club has commenced High Court proceedings against New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and TAB New Zealand (TAB NZ) concerning its land and the decision not to formalise allocated race dates to the Club for the 2026/27 season.

The Club is seeking declarations about the extent of NZTR’s rights and interests in its land, a review of NZTR’s surplus venue decision, and a review of the decision to not formalise allocated race dates to the Club.

Avondale Jockey Club standing President Andrew Skinner says the Club seeks legal clarity and a fair decision-making process.

“These decisions have far-reaching consequences for the Club and for a site that has a longstanding role in Avondale’s community. We believe it is legitimate and necessary to ask the Court to determine the legal questions involved both for us, but also for the wider industry that is facing considerable change without proper engagement or due consideration,” he says.

“The Committee proposes a direction that retains racing and/or trialling at Avondale alongside valued community uses and carefully staged development. We want to test a financially sustainable approach that protects the Club’s interests and the site’s community role.

“That ambition needs to be tested through sound evidence and engagement. We are not announcing a completed development plan or promising a particular outcome.”

The claims remain to be determined by the Court. The Club seeks to have the challenged decisions set aside, including the lawful reconsideration of race dates.

“We remain open to constructive discussions about the Club’s future. Asking the Court to clarify our rights does not prevent us from working towards a practical solution,” Mr Skinner adds.

The Club will keep members informed and address the detailed merits through the Court process.

Issued for the Avondale Jockey Club by Anthem.

For more information contact Conor Roberts on conor@anthem.co.nz or +64 21 124 6004