Employment Opportunity - Trainee Race Starter & Assistant Race Starter

Southern Harness Racing Announcement

Southern Harness Racing is seeking expressions of interest from motivated and reliable individuals for the roles of Trainee Race Starter and Trainee Assistant Race Starter.

Southern Harness Racing manages harness racing meetings from Oamaru south, including the Central Otago and Southland regions, currently overseeing approximately 62 race meetings per racing season, along with harness racing trials in the Invercargill area.

The official race starter and assistant race starter are an integral part of the race day operation where professionalism and integrity are paramount.

These trainee positions form part of Southern Harness Racing’s long-term succession planning strategy.  We are looking to develop additional trained personnel capable of providing relief coverage when required, with the long-term view of providing a pathway into these important race day positions in the future.

These will be training roles, working under the guidance and supervision of the existing Starter and Assistant Starter, with a gradual progression toward becoming competent and confident in carrying out official race starting duties.

For the right applicants, this training will provide a future pathway within Southern Harness Racing as permanent positions become available.

 In accordance with the Rules of Harness Racing New Zealand horse ownership and wagering in the harness code is restricted for this position.

Applicants Must:

• Be physically fit, capable and of good health
• Be flexible and available to work weekdays, weekends and some public holidays
• Hold a full drivers licence
• Be confident and capable in the presence of horses
• Be capable of handling pressure in fast-paced race day environments
• Be able to work within strict time limitations in the race starting environment
• Work well within a close-knit team environment
• Have excellent communication skills
• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and professionalism

What We Offer:

• Full on-the-job training
• Mentoring from experienced race day officials
• Exposure to the harness racing industry at a professional level
• The opportunity to develop into an official race starting role in the future

To Apply:

Applications close 5pm, Friday 12 June 2026.  Please forward your CV and a covering letter to:
Jason Broad
General Manager – Southern Harness Racing
Email: jason@southernharness.co.nz