Pursuant to section 29 or section 34 of the Racing Act 2003, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Incorporated (NZTR) has made the following changes to the Rules of Racing which will come into effect on 1 January 2018.

Industry consultation has taken place on these proposed amendments and NZTR’s Integrity Committee has sought the views of the Judicial Control Authority (JCA) and the New Zealand Racing Board Dates Committee (NZRB). The NZRB, the JCA and the NZTR Board have approved these amendments.

The purpose of the amendment is to emphasise that sexual harassment is not tolerated in racing and to clarify what conduct is prohibited and that such conduct should attract punishment under the Rules.

The amendments to the Rules of Racing are set out below in red as follows:

Rule 101

To insert the following definition:

Sexual harassment means engaging in unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to a person, and includes, without limitation, conduct involving the internet, mobile phone or any other electronic mode of communication.

Rule 801

To insert the following Serious Racing Offence:

Serious Racing Offences

801(1) A person commits a Serious Racing Offence within the meaning of these Rules who:

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(ad) engages in the sexual harassment of a person employed, engaged, or otherwise participating in the racing industry.