About the NZ Standardbred Breeders
The New Zealand Standardbred Breeders’ Association Inc. (The Breeders) exists to create value for those who breed standardbred horses in New Zealand.
We are driven by a clear mission and vision, underpinned by core values that shape everything we do.
Our Mission: To deliver tangible benefits, meaningful support, and a collective voice for the breeders of standardbred horses in New Zealand. This mission defines our reason for being — it challenges us to serve, advocate for, and uplift the breeding community.
Our Vision: To be a recognised leader in the New Zealand harness racing industry, setting the standard for breeder advocacy, innovation, and impact. Achieving our mission means becoming an influential, respected, and effective force for breeders in a rapidly evolving industry.
Our Operating Environment: Harness racing in New Zealand operates within a social contract — one granted by public trust, social values, and community expectations. This contract enables us to race horses for enjoyment, for ownership pride, and for wagering, but it also demands increasing transparency, responsibility, and alignment with public sentiment. As an organisation, we must operate with integrity, vigilance, and purpose.
Our Core Values: Our values are our DNA — they shape our culture, guide our decisions, and define our identity as an organisation.
Knowledge & Passion: We demonstrate deep understanding of our industry and an enduring passion for the standardbred breed. Even when the road is difficult, our passion keeps us committed to progress.
Member Obsession: We are obsessive about serving our members. Everything we do — across our six strategic focus areas — is driven by the question: "Does this deliver value to breeders?"
High Standards: From communication to implementation, we set and uphold high standards in how we operate. Quality and credibility matter.
Vigilant & Adaptive: We keep our finger on the pulse. We observe, question, and respond to emerging trends, social changes, and industry risks with agility and evidence-based thinking. We welcome innovation, and we encourage evolution.
Our Strategies
Rewards and Recognition
The National Breeders Awards, Broodmare of Excellence, Breeder and Owner of the Year and the Stallion Awards. The people who breed the horses rarely stand in the winner's circle, so we make sure the record shows who bred them.
Public Relations
Breeding Matters, Breeders' News and our work with industry media. When breeding is discussed nationally, we make sure it is discussed accurately.
Productivity and Welfare
Research and practical advice to lift breeding efficiency and the quality of New Zealand stock, and to give horses better outcomes during and after their racing careers.
Sustaining Breeder Viability
Breeding continues only while it makes sense financially. We argue for stakes and opportunities for fillies and mares, and for the bonus and incentive schemes that reward the people carrying the cost and the risk.
Advocacy & Representation
A seat at the table on every scheme that shapes what a foal will be racing for, from grassroots to governance, so breeders' voices are heard where it counts.
Who We Are
The New Zealand Standardbred Breeders’ Association (The Breeders) was established in July 1973 as the national body representing standardbred breeders across the country. Formed through a federation-style arrangement, The Breeders unites three independent regional affiliates — the North Island, Canterbury, and Southern associations — each of which appoints two representatives to the national Executive.
Our structure ensures regional voices contribute directly to national strategy, advocacy, and policy development for the benefit of breeders across New Zealand.
The Breeders currently has 530 financial members, representing over 1,000 individuals when including breeding partners. This accounts for approximately 65% of all active breeders who bred a mare last season. Members join through their regional affiliate and are then recognised as national members:
- North Island Standardbred Breeders Inc – 116 members
- Canterbury Standardbred Breeders Association Inc – 274 members
- Southern Standardbred Breeders Inc – 126 members
- International – 14 members
Our Performance & Accountability
We report our progress and financial performance to members annually at our Annual General Meeting, typically held in October or November. Members receive a Chairman’s Report and Audited Financial Statements, which are also available in the Members’ Area of this website. Our audited financial statements are formally filed with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies and can be accessed at www.societies.govt.nz.