Corey Steele is at a crossroads as uncertainty looms following the government’s decision to shut down the greyhound racing industry in New Zealand.
Trainer Corey Steele loves his greyhounds like they’re his kids. Photo: Rhian Farrell
The Te Awamutu-based third-generation trainer and Waikato Greyhound Racing vice president trains his dogs on dad Wayne and mum Tracey’s property, Te Māwhai Racing Kennels.
He said he feels “deflated” and believes the human aspect of the ban has been forgotten.
“I lie here at night, I don’t sleep, constantly thinking about what tomorrow brings,” Steele said. “We’re still being tarnished with this terrible brush that we’re monsters.
“I enjoy what I do, I love the dogs like they’re my kids. I want to see them succeed and if they succeed, then I can continue doing what I’m doing. Now I can’t.”
Corey Steele on the winning dias at Whanganui. Photo: Stevie Kite
In December, the government announced an intention to legislate to ban greyhound racing.
Following a cabinet meeting last week, Minister of racing Winston Peters released a statement confirming the government will be banning greyhound racing from August 2026.
Peters said the decision was driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs. They confirmed they would take on board every aspect of the Ministerial Advisory Committee’s report.
He says despite significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent years, the percentage of dogs being injured remained persistently high and the time had come to make a call in the best interest of the animals. He said globally the industry was winding down.
The industry has called for a judicial review.
Recommendations adopted by cabinet include closure of an incorporated society and seizure of in excess $15 million in Greyhound Racing New Zealand and club assets; no compensation for the 1054 full time employees who lose their jobs; continuation of taking $223m ($48m profit) in bets annually on Australian greyhounds’ and after the dogs are rehomed, all GRNZ assets and future profit from Australian greyhound betting will be transferred to horse racing.
“Winston still hasn’t met with Greyhound Racing New Zealand or any industry participants – not one,” Steele said.
Corey Steele and Opawa Sooty at home.
“You’re closing down 1054 people’s livelihoods. You’d think you’d at least stand up and front their questions, their concerns, the people.”
Steele said he and others like him have been investing in their properties for decades – now it will all go to waste.
Owners are now expected to look after their dogs until they can be rehomed, he said.
“We’ll be forced to give up our dogs because of our loss of income. There is absolutely no way that I could work a nine to five job and be able to keep all my dogs as pets.
GRNZ chief executive Edward Rennell said it was “a disdainful approach to lawmaking and a particularly brutal way to treat people”.
“Their heartless disregard for destroying thousands of livelihoods of regional Kiwis to satisfy an urban elite and reward horse racing is frankly depressing.
“The truth is our people are honest, hard-working and look after their dogs. We meet all welfare requirements the government makes of us, endorsed by their own Racing Integrity Board.
“They’re up against a government that just doesn’t care about the loss of a 150-year-old sport, lifestyles, and jobs. The minister still won’t communicate or meet with us.
“Instead, they will shut down an incorporated society that hasn’t done anything illegal, seize $15m of the sport’s hard-earned money, permit broadcasts of 48,000 Australian greyhound races and take $223m in bets.”
Steele’s biggest concern is still his dogs. Photo: Rhian Farrell
