Racing Tauranga is thrilled with the news they are runner-up in the 2019-20 NZTR Racing Club of the Year.

'We competed against every racecourse in New Zealand for club of the year,” says Racing Tauranga sponsorship manager Andrew Love.

'We were up against the bigger courses around the country – Riccarton and Wellington – so we are quite rapt with the award. Ellerslie won it and we came second.”

Racing Tauranga's presentation to the judges included an overview of 2019/2020 race days, customer service engagement, sponsorship and growth, community and charity involvement, marketing initiatives, capital improvements at the racecourse, and improvements to both governance practices and health and safety.

'The award is based on lots of things – crowds, profitability, tracks, venue hire – it was about everything,” says Andrew.

The 2019/2020 year was the first full season with Racing Tauranga governed by a Board of Directors after moving away from a committee-run organisation, and new general manager Louise Dean was appointed.

Race days included the popular Twilight Christmas at the Races, Waitangi Day, Saint Patrick's Day, Summer and Spring racedays and Interislander Summer Festival, with the April, June and July race days having to be abandoned due to COVID-19. The themed events resulted in sold out marquees and hospitality packages.

Regular e-newsletters, membership syndication opportunities, discounts and draws, as well as an upgrade to the Members Lounge and discounted membership fees were well received by members.

A new Winners Circle bar for post-race celebrations and a new viewing terrace overlooking the finish were built. An online ticketing platform has vastly improved customer service and the main stand and function rooms have been repainted.

In addition to race days, Racing Tauranga contributes to the Tauranga community in other ways. Some of the groups that use the Racecourse buildings and surrounds at no charge include NZ Police for Police Dog and Armed Offender training, the Harbour City Lions annual book sale which raises more than $50,000 for local charities, NZ Fire Service training, the Salvation Army annual mid-winter lunch, the Life Church Christmas lunch, school calf clubs, the New Year's Eve Family festival and light display, and the Garden & Art Festival Bloom in the Bay event.