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
Celebrating breeders for their ongoing commitment, achievements, and contributions to the standardbred industry.
Public Relations
Delivering high-quality communication — both internally and externally — to share breeding successes, highlight key issues, and promote informed dialogue around industry policy.
Productivity and Welfare
Conducting research and providing practical advice to enhance breeding efficiency, improve the quality of standardbred stock, and ensure better outcomes for horses during and after their racing careers.
Sustaining Breeder Viability
Advocating for increased stakes and racing opportunities for fillies and mares, while supporting breeding bonuses, incentive schemes, and stronger sales outcomes to ensure commercial sustainability.
Advocacy & Representation
Providing strong, credible advocacy on breeding and racing matters at both grassroots and governance levels — ensuring 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.