New Zealand

New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association

Relative to it’s size and foal crop, the New Zealand bred product punches well above its
weight on the international stage. An example of this was seen in the 2022/23 racing season,
where New Zealand bred horses won 28% of Australian Group 1 races, despite making up
only 8% of starters.
With a temperate climate, ample rainfall, rich soil and world class horse people, New
Zealand is renowned by thoroughbred experts worldwide as a high class thoroughbred
nursery.
As a whole, the Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding industry in New Zealand contributes
approximately NZ$1.3billion to the economy, which equates to 0.6% of the total New
Zealand GDP.
The New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (NZTBA) was established in 1948 with
the first annual meeting held on January 25th 1949 in Wellington under the direction of the
inaugural president Ken Austin.

ZB Insurance Pearl Series, which encourages owners to race fillies and mares which will eventually be bred from. The NZTBA also oversees a number of scholarships as we look to up-skill the next generation of industry leaders.

The NZTBA represents and advocates for New Zealand breeders on a variety of national and
international issues. The current membership stands at approximately 1200 and is split into
eight regional branches.
The NZTBA are actively involved in:

• Working with government agencies
• Equine research
• Producing the annual NZ Stallion Register
• Developing equine welfare initiatives and awareness
• Bloodstock taxation
• Environment and sustainability
• Lobbying ACC
• Health and Safety regulations
• Equine health and biosecurity issues
• Education and scholarship opportunities
• Providing accurate and easily accessible information about the thoroughbred industry