Greyhound racing fights NZ ban with High Court review
'We think Mr Peters has been the best Racing Minister this country has had, but we believe on this matter he was poorly advised,' says Rennell.
GRNZ's application to the court says the Cabinet paper produced by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) focused on animal welfare but was selective in its use of reports from the Racing Integrity Board (RIB) and included no information from the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC).
For example, an RIB November 2024 report stated that GRNZ met welfare standards, often better than other animal sports or greyhound racing worldwide, but this information was left out of the DIA report and Cabinet paper, says GRNZ.
GRNZ's application says there was a duty, promise and expectation to consult with GRNZ on the decision which never happened, despite a history of constructive engagement on animal welfare.
While GRNZ faces a shutdown by August 2026, Rennell says the application for the Judicial Review is not about buying greyhound racing time or slowing down the closure down of the code.
'If the review is granted we would like the matter handled as quickly as possible and I am sure the Crown would too.'
The application for the judicial review will not have come as a surprise to Mr Peters' office as he spoke about its likelihood in March.
'I have just heard they [GRNZ] are going to take me on, possibly in court. Well, let's see,' Peters said at the time.
His office was waiting to see the full text of the application lodged by GRNZ counsel Chris Finlayson on Monday before commenting, with Mr Peters in Sri Lanka.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Scoop
Foreign Minister Strengthens Relationship With Italy
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has concluded a constructive visit to Italy, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. Mr Peters and Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met in Rome overnight and confirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship that New Zealand and Italy share. 'New Zealand and Italy are long-standing partners,' Mr Peters says. 'We have agreed to work more closely together, in order to expand strategic and trade and economic relations. 'We work closely in Antarctica and have shared interests in supporting the rules-based international order and multilateral system, including cooperation on human rights and UN reform,' Mr Peters says. Mr Peters signed an arts, science and sport arrangement with Minister Tajani, which supports cooperation between New Zealand and Italy in these areas. While in Rome, Mr Peters also met: a range of Italian businesses with investment and commercial interests in New Zealand; and Elizabeth Dibble, the Director-General of the Multinational Forces and Observers (MFO), the international peace monitoring organisation in the Sinai which New Zealand has supported since its inception in 1982. Mr Peters now travels to Jakarta, to attend the annual Indonesia-New Zealand Joint Ministerial Commission meeting.
Otago Daily Times
4 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
SDC votes unanimously to keep water services in-house
Southlanders have made their voices heard on how they want the district council to deal with its water assets. PHOTO: SUPPLIED A southern council has opted to keep its water services in-house following strong community feedback. Southland district councillors yesterday voted unanimously to run with an "adjusted status quo model" for Three Waters services which allows it to retain responsibility while meeting new requirements. It comes at a time when councils all over the country are responding to government reform on how they want to deliver drinking water, wastewater and stormwater. More than 97% of Southland respondents preferred an adjusted status quo option instead of a standalone council-controlled organisation (CCO). Reasons for the overwhelming vote included local control, accountability, affordability, cost efficiency and a feeling of "reform fatigue". If the council had opted to go down the CCO route, estimated costs of $750,000 would have been required for setup in addition to about $625,000 a year for operating. Mayor Rob Scott attended several meetings during consultation. "It was really good engagement everywhere we went, even with the smaller numbers," he said. The adjusted status quo model will form part of the council's water services delivery plan, as required under legislation. That plan needs to show how the council will be compliant in delivering a satisfactory and financially sustainable service by mid-2028, and must be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) by September 3. The council was also involved in a DIA case study looking at how new standards would impact rural councils. Results from the study were received yesterday, but the staff report had already been prepared for the meeting. Community consultation in Southland ran from April 3 to May 21. In May, the Invercargill City Council also voted to keep its delivery in-house. Consultation has just ended on a proposal in which Gore would join forces with Clutha, Central Otago and Waitaki. • LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Scoop
21 hours ago
- Scoop
Foreign Minister Focuses On Pacific Resilience During Visit To France
Press Release – New Zealand Government As a maritime state with one of the worlds largest and most biodiverse marine areas, New Zealand strongly supports a rules-based international system that secures the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans. Minister of Foreign Affairs Foreign Minister Winston Peters has taken part in two major international events in Nice, France this week, focused on Pacific resilience, prosperity and security. The sixth Pacific-France Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, took place in Nice overnight. 'The Summit brought together Pacific countries for discussions with France on regional stability, economic development and climate resilience,' Mr Peters says. 'New Zealand welcomes this opportunity for Pacific Islands Forum members to discuss our priorities with France. 'France is a long-standing partner in the Pacific, and we value its support in securing the prosperity and stability of the region during a period of heightened global complexity.' While in Nice, Mr Peters also attended the third United Nations Ocean Conference. 'As a maritime state with one of the world's largest and most biodiverse marine areas, New Zealand strongly supports a rules-based international system that secures the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans,' Mr Peters says. 'This is especially important for ensuring a resilient and healthy Blue Pacific. We will continue to work with our partners in the region to advance our shared priorities.' At the conference, New Zealand re-emphasised its commitment to support Pacific partners in their efforts to enhance science-based ocean management and ensure their fisheries are sustainable and climate-resilient. While in Nice, Mr Peters also held bilateral meetings with leaders and Ministers from Chile, France, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Viet Nam. The Foreign Minister has now travelled to Rome for high-level bilateral talks with the Italian Government, before heading to Jakarta.
