Major TAB job losses confirmed

Written by Paul Vettise

New Zealand’s Racing Industry Transition Agency (RITA) has taken the long knife to the TAB’s operational costs by cutting 230 roles, including 150 permanent staff.

The decisions follow consultation with staff on a range of proposed changes aimed at ensuring the business was sustainable for the future and best placed to meet the needs of New Zealand racing and sport.

The changes, which impact 30 per cent of all roles, are expected to deliver savings of more than NZ$11 million per annum in addition to further cost savings throughout the business.

RITA Executive Chair Dean McKenzie said the decision was very difficult, but the organisation was left with no alternative with COVID-19 resulting in TAB monthly revenue almost 50 per cent below forecast and customer numbers down more than 35 per cent.

“There are incredibly talented, experienced and committed people at the TAB who have delivered so much to our customers and the wider racing industry over many years. We will be very sorry to see them go.

“We have had to make some tough decisions as we focus on the essential parts of our business that generate the funding required to keep the racing industry and many national sporting organisations running.”

Trackside radio silenced

Services impacted by the changes include the abolition of Trackside Radio, which will not resume following its suspension after the cancellation of all domestic racing in March and Phonebet betting is also gone, although Touchtone remains.

The TAB will move away from providing manual, on-course, betting facilities and increasing the number of self-service terminals from the current level of 55 per cent of all race meetings and increasing customer education of TAB’s online platforms.

There will also be a reduced number of Trackside cameras on course with presenters continuing to operate from the studio, with the exception of supporting marquee events.

Trackside television programs will feature fewer presenters and with no dedicated racing shows, with the exception of a no-frills weekend racing show and closure of four retail branches.

An independent review of the structure of the Executive Leadership team is underway with consultation on any proposed changes expected to start next week.

“The implication of COVID-19 has extended beyond the immediate impact to the TAB, with racing and sport continuing to look unpredictable over the next year,” McKenzie said.

“The reality is these changes will help the TAB to be a leaner, more efficient business and focused on driving our core wagering and gaming offering to our customers.”