Greyhound racing ban paves way for Sports Bowl revamp, Polyfest bond uncertain

Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters' recent announcement to ban greyhound racing in New Zealand is a significant victory for the Ōtara Papatoetoe Local Board.

The plan to phase out the sport over the next 20 months enables the Auckland Council to transition the Manukau Sports Bowl back into community use.

However, the local board is still waiting for clarification on whether it will receive its $64,000 bond, provided to ensure that Polyfest can celebrate its 50th anniversary at its home venue in Ōtara, where the event has been held since 1996.

Chair of the Ōtara Papatoetoe Local Board, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, calls the announcement "awesome news”.

“It's really good because it solves one of the issues that we have at the Manukau Sports Bowl, and that being that [Auckland Greyhound Racing Club] operates a racing track at Manukau Sports Bowl, and they're the ones that hold a lease, a right of renewal for another 33 years.”

Once legislation is passed and the ban is enforced, the club must relinquish its lease, allowing redevelopment planning to proceed without lease negotiations.

However, Apulu has asked staff to clarify the implications to ensure compliance with termination clauses, as it is unclear whether the ban automatically ends the lease.

“I'll wait for advice on that, but it does sound like it's a lot easier now,” he says.

Apulu notes that while they hoped the previous government would ban greyhound racing, the new government's stance was uncertain, especially given Winston Peters’ past support for the sport.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair, Apulu Reece Autagavaia, welcomes Vaovasamanaia's announcement and its promise for the community's future. Photo / File

"It looks like he's changed his mind about that, it's really good that he's done that because it releases the space for the public to use now.

“So we're hopeful that the work that National does, that any future governments will stick to it because, for Ōtara, it just makes it a lot easier for us to open up the park for our community.

“It's a win-win on so many fronts, including animal cruelty, because a lot of people did write to us and express their frustrations.

“We had deputations from members of the public expressing their disappointment that greyhounds and other forms of animal racing, there's acts of cruelty to animals.”

Apulu also highlights how athletic tracks in Auckland have positively impacted the community by providing safer, well-lit spaces for evening walks, active sports, and exercise for everyday people.

“I think that Ōtara can be hopeful that we can finally get our parks back. Our people can now actually see some real transformation that will be able to happen and just open it up for our people.”

Peters said, “This is not a decision that is taken lightly but is ultimately driven by protecting the welfare of racing dogs.

“Despite significant progress made by the greyhound racing industry in recent years, the percentage of dogs being injured remains persistently high, and the time has come to make a call in the best interests of the animals.”

Greyhound racing will be phased out over 20 months to facilitate the rehoming of racing dogs and provide a transition period for industry participants.

Vaovasamanaia also announced that the Government will urgently pass the Racing Industry Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds Amendment Bill to prevent the unnecessary killing of racing dogs.

Taryn Crewe, General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities, says, “The Manukau Sports Bowl Master Plan, adopted in July 2023, outlines the redevelopment of the greyhound track into an athletics facility for the South Auckland community.

“The master plan will be implemented in stages as funding becomes available.”

Taryn Crewe, General Manager of Parks and Community Facilities, outlines plans to convert the Manukau Sports Bowl's greyhound track into a South Auckland athletics hub under the 2022 Master Plan. Photo / LinkedIn

The vision for the Manukau Sports Bowl (MSB) is to create "an inviting and inclusive destination park for everyone in our community," as detailed in the MSB Master Plan. Two rounds of community consultation in 2022 influenced these plans.

When asked about the lease revenue and how the council will manage any financial shortfalls from its termination, Crewe said, “Revenue is derived from the lease value, which is commercially sensitive. Any shortfall will be managed by the local board.”

“Consultation confirmed the community’s preference for indoor courts, a covered velodrome, and an athletics track and field facility over a greyhound racing facility.

“The local board directed council staff to prioritise the development of a synthetic athletics track in the Implementation Plan (pg. 48) within the next 1-5 years.”

The local board may allocate funding for redevelopment, including the athletics track, if it chooses to reprioritise funds.

“The Manukau Sports Bowl Master Plan was informed by consultation with Mana Whenua and the community in 2022.

“Feedback showed strong support for organised sports on the western side of the bowl and informal recreation, play opportunities, and community events on the eastern side.

Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters' greyhound racing ban reshapes the future of Manukau Sports Bowl, paving the way for a potential community hub. Photo / Auckland Council

“Design elements include a youth hub, plaza, volleyball courts, destination playground, community orchard, and multipurpose open spaces.”

The council engaged with the community and mana whenua during the development of the Master Plan. It will continue to involve them as specific elements, such as the playground, are designed.

While it is too early to determine whether the removal of greyhound racing will lead to more events like Polyfest, the council plans to work with venue stakeholders in the new year to assess the impact on the event calendar and ensure site safety during the transition.

Auckland Council was asked if the $64,000 bond granted for Polyfest's 50th anniversary in Ōtara would be refunded. The council directed questions about Polyfest's relationship with the Greyhound Racing Club to the two organisations.

Robert Death, General Manager of the Auckland Greyhound Racing Club, said, "It's far too early to be talking about either of those situations," when asked about the Polyfest bond and transition out of the Manukau Sports Bowl over the next 20 months.

He also noted that the motion to close greyhound racing has not yet been presented to Parliament.

Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters announces the historic ban on greyhound racing, marking a pivotal moment for animal welfare in New Zealand. Photo / File

“Peters set a 20-month timeline, but details remain unclear. We've got no more information than what you have access to. There has been no communication either to GRNZ or the club,” Death said.

Regarding Polyfest, he said, “We have submitted a proposal to them with a timeline to complete by the 30th of November.

“They have failed to come back to us. We have been trying to finalise the agreement. It's down to minor points as far as we're concerned.

“They have had the funding approved by the Auckland Council, which includes a refundable bond. I bet you the Polyfest won’t refund that to the Auckland Council, but that's a different issue.

“With regards to Polyfest, we are still in negotiations. Okay? That's the end of what I've got to say.”

The Polyfest Trust has been approached for comment.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.