Upper Hutt mayor Peri Zee says the proposed closure of Trentham racecourse could open the way for high‑density housing.

Trentham is one of seven tracks marked for shutdown under a national racing industry masterplan. Zee said the decision rests with racing bodies, but the land could become a major residential and retail development if racing ends. She said Upper Hutt has strong housing demand and high numbers of first‑home buyers, driven partly by new higher‑density builds.

Zee acknowledged the racecourse’s past popularity but said attendance has declined. She said the council would work with racing authorities if the site becomes available.

Racing expert Sheldon Murtha said closures were overdue. He said racing is still viable but far smaller than it once was, and most in the industry would see the changes as inevitable. He said the hardest part would be communities losing long‑standing track facilities.

Source: Felix Walton – Radio New Zealand

29/07/26