GRNZ Publishes Address in Bid to Meet Minister Winston Peters
Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) is publicly sharing its head office address and the personal phone number of its CEO in a bold effort to secure a long-requested meeting with Racing Minister Winston Peters.
GRNZ CEO Edward Rennell says repeated attempts to engage with Minister Peters have been ignored, despite the organisation’s willingness to meet at Parliament, on track, or anywhere convenient.
“We hope that by sharing our address, it might increase our chances of having a visit from Minister Winston Peters, who has so far declined every request to meet with us,” says Rennell.
The GRNZ head office is located on Jackson Street in Petone, just a short train ride from Parliament. Alongside the address, Rennell is also making his mobile number public: 021 407 596.
“Nothing we have tried so far has secured us any time with the man who is legislating more than 1,000 jobs out of existence. If publishing our address helps prompt a conversation, then it’s worth it.”
Rennell says GRNZ is seeking a fair opportunity to present up-to-date data that he believes was overlooked in the Government’s decision to shut down the industry. The Minister announced in December 2024 that greyhound racing would be banned on animal welfare grounds.
GRNZ argues that the decision is inconsistent, pointing out that the Government continues to rely on millions in revenue from Australian greyhound betting — while shutting down the sport domestically.
“We’d ask the Minister to explain the hypocrisy of banning greyhound racing here while continuing to profit from it overseas,” says Rennell.
“I believe this decision also has major implications for the equine codes that ultimately will impact on the viability of racing in New Zealand. As the Minister for Racing, Mr Peters needs to be aware of these issues.”
Despite Minister Peters meeting with the SPCA to discuss the ban he has never consulted with GRNZ or directly engaged with greyhound racing participants. Rennell says the Minister has made disparaging remarks in the media about people involved in the industry — comments he describes as hurtful and damaging.
“I’m hoping the Minister sees my number or address and thinks, ‘Hey, I’ll pick up the phone and have a chat.’ That’s all we’re asking for, a conversation.”
GRNZ continues to oppose the closure of the industry and urges the Government to focus on more pressing, large-scale animal welfare crises where real leadership is needed.
For inquiries and interviews please contact GRNZ CEO Edward Rennell:
