And they’re off - site selected for new Waikato racecourse redevelopment

Tuesday, 16 December 2025

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing chairperson Bruce Harvey, left, and chief executive Andrew Castles, say they have found the ‘perfect location’ for a new purpose-built, multi-use racecourse and event centre in Tamahere.

Plans to amalgamate three Waikato racing clubs at a new purpose-built racecourse and event centre are clear of the starter’s box with the “perfect location” being scoped out in Tamahere.

The potential move would also see about 50ha of prime central Hamilton land - the site of the current Te Rapa Racecourse - be sold to help fund the new development, according to Waikato Thoroughbred Racing (WTR) chief executive Andrew Castles.

Castles said while it was not yet a done deal the organisation had conditional agreement to buy 150ha of farmland south of Hamilton City in Tamahere.

The site is bordered by the Waikato Expressway to the north, and Te Awa River Ride to the south between Duncan and Pencarrow roads in Tamahere. Hamilton Airport is circled to the left.

The site is bordered by the Waikato Expressway, Te Awa River Ride, and Pencarrow and Duncan roads.

“It's an exciting step in the journey,” Castles said.

“The three clubs in the region coming together just over two years ago was certainly the catalyst to get us to where we are today, and there's significant due diligence taking place.”

He said the primary focus of the new site would be on a racing and training venue, and described it as “the perfect location”.

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing have so far gained consent to sell 6ha of Te Rapa Racecourse for a mixed use development in the city.

“Right now, our Cambridge training centre is the biggest thoroughbred horse training centre in Australasia.

“So we need to be mindful that is a huge part of why we are doing what we are doing - to modernise and provide a future-proof solution for training of thoroughbred horses in the Waikato.”

He said gone are the days of the need for massive grandstands with outdoor seating.

“It would act as a grandstand-type facility on a race day, but equally it would be available for use outside of race day for all sorts of different events and requirements.

“We're doing an economic impact report around what might be the best way to maximise the use of a facility there.”

Waikato Thoroughbred Racing chief executive Andrew Castles says Te Rapa Racecourse would ‘present a wonderful opportunity’ from a city planing point of view.

He said thoroughbred racing is a big part of the Waikato economy and a lot of people derived their livelihoods from the industry.

“I think we tend to lose sight of how important it is.

“So this is an extremely exciting project, but one that there is a huge amount of work still left to do.”

Waikato district mayor Aksel Bech said WTR’s plans were “nationally significant” and praised the organisation for its proactive approach by engaging with locals around the proposed site in Tamahere.

He said there would be “massive opportunities for a modern racing and entertainment offering close to the expressway, the Southern Links motorway extension and our international airport”.

“Tamahere, along with our southern neighbours around Cambridge, are the heart of the New Zealand thoroughbred community and a natural home for this new facility … along with offering a host of other racing and entertainment activities that will add vibrancy and economic activity to our district.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and I look forward to learning more of the details as the project progresses,” Bech said.

In a statement, WTR board chairperson Bruce Harvey said it was a “challenging and complex process to get to a preferred greenfield site option”.

“The final scope and timing will be shaped through further discussion and genuine stakeholder engagement.

“Site investigations are underway for things such as traffic, access, ecology, geology, water and drainage.

“The commercial details of the land purchase are confidential and the WTR board is addressing the land purchase as part of the overall funding of the project.

“All project cost and funding details will be further developed during 2026.”

In an article published by the Waikato Times in February, local developers said the 50ha of central city land Te Rapa Race Course sits on is a prime location for new housing projects.

Developer Andrew Yeoman said a block that size could allow for a whole new neighbourhood.

“It's a really good size and so handy. It's virtually central Hamilton now the way that Hamilton's expanded out all over the place. I think that would be an awesome spot.

“I think you'd be best to put in some good quality medium housing there.”

The other facilities - Cambridge Racecourse is around 61ha, and Waipā (in Te Awamutu) 34ha - could also be sold as well.

Castles said the Te Rapa site would “present a wonderful opportunity” from a city planing point of view.

“I'm sure it'll be a mix of commercial, residential, open space, all of those types of things … and is a significant chunk of land well within city boundaries.”