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OnTrack NZ

OnTrack is here to champion wellbeing and strengthen our people, so we can all stay on track.

08/09/2026

This Thursday 10th of September is World Su***de Prevention Day. The reality is that su***de prevention isn't something that belongs to one day, or even one month.

• It's in the conversations we have.
• The people we notice.
• The times we ask twice.
• The moments we choose to stop and listen.

This September, we're making a little more room for those conversations across racing.

One conversation can make a difference. Let's keep them going.

___

OnTrack is free, independent and 100% confidential. We’re here for racing people and their families on 0800 667 224.

02/07/2026

It's been a busy few weeks for the OnTrack team, with training sessions happening right around the country! 👏🐎

Recently, we were in Christchurch delivering our Difficult Conversations workshop with the Christchurch Cadets. The session focuses on building the confidence and skills to navigate those conversations we often avoid, whether it's raising a concern at work, addressing conflict, or having an honest discussion with a colleague or manager.

While we were there, we also delivered an OnTrack to Action (OTA) session with the fantastic team at Nevele R Stud. Thanks for welcoming us and getting involved.

The training has continued this week too. Earlier yesterday, we ran an OnTrack to Action session with the team at Vet Associates in Karaka, before finishing the day with another Difficult Conversations workshop for the Northern Cadets.

It's great to see so many people across the racing industry investing in practical skills that support healthier workplaces and stronger conversations.

A big thank you to everyone who has taken part recently, we appreciate your willingness to get involved and contribute to a positive culture across our racing community. 💙 We look forward to spending some time in the central districts next week running some more of our trainings.

Nevele R Stud

01/07/2026

Earlier this month, our team spent a few days on the road connecting with some incredible people in our racing community. 🐎💙

We started at Weatherley Bloodstock, where the team knows firsthand that life in racing can be incredibly rewarding, but also mentally demanding. They welcomed us onto their "funny farm" – home to 5 dogs, 2 cats, 16 racehorses, and Murphy, Briar's two-year-old bush pony. Murphy has an important role too, keeping the ponies calm and happy on race days! We also met Kiwi Can, the horse that sparked the Weatherley family's journey into racing.

Next stop was Te Akau, where we were warmly welcomed by the team. The food disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived, and team members generously shared a little of their own journeys, helping create some meaningful conversations around wellbeing.

Along the way, we also had some honest and important conversations. Not every discussion is easy, but taking the time to listen, understand different perspectives, and build trust is a big part of what we do. Those moments often become the most valuable.

We finished at The Oaks Stud, where General Manager Rick Williams and the team made us feel right at home. It was lovely to see such a close-knit, family-like environment. We also caught up with Leaderboard, who raced for Fortuna Racing under Te Akau's care and training.

A huge thank you to everyone who welcomed us, shared your stories, and took the time to have a chat. Every conversation helps strengthen the wellbeing of our racing community, one visit at a time. 💙

The Oaks Stud Te Akau Racing

30/06/2026

Recently we had the pleasure of meeting a very special member of the OnTrack family – Mac, the horse belonging to one of our OnTrack Field Team members, Sam! 🐴

Mac is an ex-thoroughbred (Proisir X Dear Diary) who Sam is retraining as a sport horse, and it was fantastic to hear about his journey. Sam showed us Mac's feeding regime, talked us through his care and training, and of course we got to say hello to this handsome guy.

It was such a lovely experience and a great reminder that life after racing can take many different paths. With the right care, patience and training, horses like Mac can go on to enjoy fulfilling second careers.

Thanks for sharing Mac with us, Sam – we loved meeting him and can't wait to see where the next chapter of his journey takes him! 💙

27/05/2026

We’re Hiring! Community Engagement Champion

Are you passionate about building stronger, healthier racing communities across Aotearoa?

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys working with people, building trust and turning conversations into meaningful outcomes. You will be out in the field meeting people where they are, growing engagement in OnTrack’s work, delivering training and support, and helping create momentum for change across the industry.

🔗 For more information, and to apply now:
https://nz.seek.com/job/91880923?ref=cm-ui

Join us in making a difference, because every life in racing matters!

20/05/2026

This week Trelawne and Sam had the opportunity to attend the New Zealand Racecourse Managers Association (NZRMA) National Conference in Tauranga and spend time with track managers and industry people from right across the country.

One thing became very clear very quickly, racing people care deeply about what they do, but there’s also a huge amount of pressure sitting behind the scenes. Long hours, weather, staffing challenges, turf conditions and the pressure to consistently deliver safe tracks all take a toll.

We had some fantastic conversations around wellbeing, support, and the importance of looking after yourself before things reach crisis point. One line that really resonated was that mental health is a bit like servicing your car, regular maintenance helps prevent bigger breakdowns later on.

Huge thanks to everyone who welcomed us so warmly, especially Jason Fulford and Bart Cowan, and to Tim Lambert for acknowledging OnTrack and the importance of mental wellbeing in his opening presentation.

Pressure is part of racing. Silence doesn’t have to be.

➡0800 667 224 - 100% confidential.
ontrack.org.nz

13/05/2026

Earlier this year, we delivered our OnTrack Champions programme at Ellerslie Racecourse and have recently received our first order of Champions caps to recognise the people who complete the training and continue to make a positive difference within the racing industry.

It was a real pleasure to present Geoff Harrison with his cap, a small acknowledgement of the enormous contribution he continues to make through his role at ATR and the wider racing community.

Geoff is one of those people who always seems to have time for others. He brings positivity, connection, and genuine support wherever he goes, and people naturally feel better after spending time with him. The racing industry is stronger because of people like Geoff quietly looking out for those around them every day.

If you happen to cross paths with Geoff during your travels and need someone to talk to, we’d strongly encourage you to stop and have a chat.

Thanks Geoff, for everything you continue to do for racing and its people. 👏

LOVERACING.NZ NZTR

07/05/2026

Yesterday (6th May) the OnTrack team had the chance to catch up with outstanding jumps jockey Hamish McNeill.

Hamish is one of those people whose energy is genuinely infectious. He brings honesty, humility, humour, and a real passion for the racing industry and the people within it. Spending time hearing about his journey through racing, including the highs, the challenges, and the lessons along the way, was both inspiring and grounding for our team.

What stood out most was Hamish’s genuine care for others and his desire to help create a stronger, kinder, and more supportive industry for everyone involved in racing. We’re looking forward to working more closely together and continuing important conversations around wellbeing, connection, and peer support across the racing community.

20/04/2026

The first Auckland OnTrack Champions Meet Up was held this week! It was great to get our Auckland based Champions together to share experiences and spend time connecting. It was a valuable time for the OnTrack team to talk with our Champions, celebrate their mahi and reflect on our progress together. Thanks to all who attended, and to NZB for hosting us!

OnTrack Champions are the backbone of our programme. These volunteers play a crucial role in supporting their peers and are part of a dedicated network improving mental health and wellbeing in the racing industry. They are the key to our success and help us create a stronger, healthier community.

Want to know more about the OnTrack Champions in your area? Head over to our website – link in comments.

04/03/2026

Another highlight from our Christchurch trip last week – we visited the Christchurch Cadets to discuss available support and engagement opportunities. Sincere thanks to the Cadets and their educators – Natalie, Sarah and Roddy for their time and collaboration!

Address

PO Box 112-202
Penrose
1061

Website

http://www.ontrack.org.nz/

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