New Zealand ends greyhound racing as Tasmania gears up for legal battle over phase‑out

New Zealand’s government officially ended commercial greyhound racing today. Racing Minister Winston Peters announced the closure of the sport and a re‑homing programme for an estimated 1,400 greyhounds, coordinated by the Greyhound Transition Agency and funded by the TAB, with no taxpayer money used.

In Tasmania, the Liberal government pledged to legislate a phase‑out of greyhound racing by 2029 but has delayed the bill. The industry body Greyhounds Tasmania, represented by Luke Gatehouse, warned it may seek legal action, saying the government cannot end the sport without proper legislation. Premier Jeremy Rockliff and senior minister Bridget Archer reaffirmed their commitment to the phase‑out despite the industry's objections.