Waikato Thoroughbred Racing Greenfield Hub

Project summary

The project intends to replace existing thoroughbred racing facilities at Te Rapa racecourse, Cambridge racecourse and Waipā racecourse, along with the Cambridge harness raceway.

The project includes:

• thoroughbred racing and associated activities, including:

  • a racing facility with a main track and 1200 m starting chutes

  • facilities for race days, industry functions, and events

  • a thoroughbred training track

  • a warmup track

  • on-site stables and yards for trainers’ allotments

  • a bloodstock office and sales business across approximately 63,200 sq m with barns, yarding, sales pavilion and administration

  • an operations and events building across approximately 2,041 sq m with a parade ring and tie up

• Harness racing, including:

  • a harness racing and training track

  • facilities for race days, industry functions and events

  • on-site stables and yard for trainers’ allotments

• Other land uses, including:

  • a retirement residential development with approximately 70-80 single storey villas, approximately 200 attached units, and a community centre

  • a residential precinct with up to approximately 90 lots

  • an equestrian events ring

  • facilities to host temporary events

  • a village centre including a bar, café and other small scale commercial activity

  • parking areas for up to approximately 2,030 vehicles

  • commercial equine support services

  • rehabilitation of the existing Kahikatea stand within the project site

  • all associated infrastructure, construction, subdivision and earthworks including potential roading upgrades.

Project location

Approximately 164 hectares of land across Hooker Road, Duncan Road and Pencarrow Road in Hamilton, Waikato Region.

Project referral

The Minister for Infrastructure referred the project to the Fast-track on 5 July 2026. The application was lodged on 21 April 2026.

Notice of decisions on application for referral of the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing Greenfield Racing Hub project (PDF, 157 KB)