TLDR New Zealand’s commercial greyhound racing ban became legally binding on August 1, 2026. The final domestic greyhound races were run on July 31, one day before the ban started. TAB New Zealand is funding a NZ$60 million (about $35 million) transition program. Around 1,400 greyhounds will be rehomed through a new Greyhound Transition Agency. The closure follows legislation passed in April after reviews found high injury and death rates.
New Zealand has officially ended commercial greyhound racing. The ban became legally binding on August 1, 2026, closing an industry that had operated for decades.
The last domestic greyhound races took place on July 31, the day before the ban started. The government confirmed the end of racing in a statement released on Friday.
TAB New Zealand is funding a transition program worth NZ$60 million, or roughly $35 million. Racing Minister Winston Peters said the money will not come from taxpayers.
Instead, funds that would have gone toward domestic greyhound racing will now be used to manage the industry’s closure. About 1,400 dogs are expected to be rehomed through the process.
Greyhound Transition Agency Role
A new body called the Greyhound Transition Agency will oversee the rehoming effort. It will also manage the broader closure process for the industry.
The agency plans to work with existing animal welfare groups to find new homes for the dogs. It will also help owners and trainers who are affected by the shutdown.
Peters said the agency has a clear plan, proper funding, and support from established organizations. The agency is expected to run until July 2029.
If needed, its work could be extended by up to two more years after that date. The extended timeline is meant to give the rehoming process room to finish properly.
Why the Racing Industry