The newly established HRNZ Youth Council has recently been focussed on working with the NZRB on several initiatives designed to both increase participation and make it easier for young people within the industry to forge a successful career path.
In January this year, NZRB announced $645,000 in additional funding over the next three years to be targeted directly at Youth Development.
Since then the HRNZ Youth Council has worked closely with NZRB staff to ensure this money is channelled into the best places to have a tangible effect for youth within harness racing.
Effective from the beginning of the 2017/18 season, two programmes will begin aimed at increasing the number of young licence holders, while making it financially more achievable for youth to progress through the early stages of their career in the sport.
- NZRB Youth Fee Subsidy
All licence fees charged by HRNZ for those 30 and under will be fully subsidised by the NZRB Youth Development Fund.
This would then make being licenced as a driver and trainer “free” for youth participants.
This is designed to make the career path through harness racing as attractive as possible and assist those moving through the ranks - especially those leaving their junior licence behind, joining the open ranks and beginning their training careers.
Current licence holders will see “NZRB Youth Subsidy” on their renewal forms for all fees that are covered by the additional funding.
We believe this is an industry first across the world and is the first in a number of Youth related initiatives HRNZ are looking to roll out in the next season.
- New Licence-holder Safety Gear Packages
All newly approved licence holders will receive a package of safety equipment paid for by the NZRB Youth Development Fund
New Trials Drivers 30 years of age or younger will receive:
Helmet, Boots, Goggles and Vest - Estimated Value $700
New Junior Drivers 30 years of age or younger will receive:
Pants, Wet Weather Gear, Gloves and Personalised Clothing - Estimated Value $500
New Trainers 30 years of age or younger will receive:
New set of race harness - Estimated Value $1200
Some conditions apply to both initiatives, including licence holders having to have graduated or be enrolled and participating in Cadet training.
The general concept is that by encouraging as many youth to become licence holders as possible, we will increase participation among the next generation and create a more attractive career path within the sport.
A new license-holder, 30 years of age or younger, would be eligible for both initiatives and as such would become licensed and receive the safety gear for no charge.
