The elections are fast approaching and the political parties have been releasing their polices in the past few weeks and months, but the racing portfolio has been the forgotten child in many cases.
As of yesterday, New Zealand First is the only party who have released an election policy on racing. Neither Labour nor National had done so at the time of writing.
NZ First's election policy includes a 10-point plan that aims to enhance the financial position of the industry and boost its image on the world stage.
NZ First leader Winston Peters was Racing Minister from 2005 through to 2008 and implemented a number of well received policies in that time.
One of the key points in their election policy is to increase the level of minimum stakes. The industry has already seen a minimum stakes increase this year to $10,000, however, NZ First plan on increasing this by 50 per cent to $15,000.