While the enormity of the cyclone devastation is seemingly overwhelming, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) is proud of the widespread and collective response from the industry, particularly to assist those stakeholders caught in this disaster.

NZTR is heartened by the response from the industry, not just to its combined public appeal focussed on a fund for horse feed, but with two other appeals established by industry players – Cambridge trainer Roger James and Te Akau Racing.

The combined public appeal by NZTR, Dunstan Horsefeeds (Dunstan) and New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association (NZTBA) for donations to fund feed has raised a significant amount already. This fund is intended to support the wider equine community, and we hope that this fund will continue to accumulate.

NZTR allotted an initial $50,000 to the fund, which has already been boosted by more than $30,000 from racing participants.  While the bulk of this fund will be allocated to horse feed in partnership with Dunstan, a portion has also been spent on sundry veterinary supplies and horse equipment which has been arranged by Lisa Anderson of the Saddlery Warehouse in Cambridge.

NZTR have been helping coordinate with MPI Animal Welfare Emergency Management and with Dunstan and other donors regarding the coordination of feed donations to local distribution centres. 

Waipukurau JC President Kirsty Lawrence said in the Central Hawke’s Bay, the Waipukurau Jockey Club have set-up as a supply hub, with over 300 bales of generously donated baleage onsite for further distribution, meadow hay, cat and dog supplies.  Horse feed is also being distributed to the Riding for the Disabled Arena in Napier and to the Hastings Racecourse.

“It’s truly incredible.  The support from NZTR and the racing community is immeasurable, even the phone calls to say – are you ok?"

“The past week has been tough. It’s truly been a sobering experience being on the ground and being a recovery resource, but the support from the community and the racing industry has been immense."

“We have a racing community who have got together and organised baleage to be delivered and stored, feed and medical supplies have arrived by truck and helicopter, the phone calls and offers to help have made the job so much easier.” Lawrence said.

The NZTR fund will be open until midnight on Friday 24 February, after which the remaining funds will be transferred to Dunstan.  This feed will be progressively delivered over an extended period to help meet an expected sustained needs of the Hawke’s Bay equine community.

Roger James has launched an appeal for funds to provide provisions for day-to-day living essentials for those people who have lost everything or who have been significantly affected.  Mr James is closely coordinating with NZ Civil Defence to ensure that the appropriate goods are procured and then delivered to those people in greatest need.

“The response in terms of donations pledged has been amazing already, and we look forward to the gavelhouse.com auction later this week of 10 Thoroughbred and two Standardbred stallion services,” said Roger.

A major contribution to the fundraising facilitated by Roger James came from Saturday’s meet at Pukekohe Park where Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the owners of the ATR Avondale Cup winner Aquacade, donated their $68,000 share of the winning stake.

Meanwhile, Te Akau Racing launched its fundraiser last week with David Ellis CNZM and Karyn Fenton-Ellis MNZM pledging to personally match every donation dollar for dollar (to $10,000). The Te Akau fund has already received significant donations and pledges from Te Akau owners, supporters and professional partners.

"The response has been incredible both from inside and outside of New Zealand.  Our very first pledge was a massive $10,000 from an owner overseas, and with over $40,000 currently raised, the total donation (to be announced on 1 March) will be sent directly to the New Zealand Red Cross for its valiant and vital work in the region," said David Ellis.

How to give:

For horse welfare (all breeds): Donations for NZTR/Dunstan Horsefeeds/NZTBA appeal horse feed and medical supplies:

NZTR account: 01-0517-0063944-07 
Reference: Cyclone Appeal

Kingsclere Stables/Thoroughbred Industry: Hawke’s Bay Relief Fund

BNZ Matamata - 02-0360-0059698-25

Te Akau Racing Donations to NZ Red Cross

Email: Karyn@teakauracing.com