Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMHRNZ Chief Executive Brad Steele resigns
Sport Nation • April 13th, 2026 3:35 pm
Brad Steele | Photo: HRNZ
After nearly two years in the role, Harness Racing New Zealand's (HRNZ) Chief Executive Officer, Brad Steele, has resigned from his position.
Steele has been involved in harness racing for over 40 years, having a profound impact on Queensland Harness Racing before making his way across the ditch almost 21 months ago.
The HRNZ board statement reads:
The Board of HRNZ advises that our Chief Executive Officer, Brad Steele, has resigned from his position. Brad’s final day in the role and the office will be Friday 24 April, after which he will be returning to live in Australia.
Brad has led HRNZ for nearly two years and has made a significant contribution during that time to both the organisation and New Zealand harness racing. The Board is grateful for Brad’s contribution, and particularly the extensive work he has done to increase and enhance HRNZ’s visibility and relationships with key stakeholders.
There will be opportunities to farewell Brad as he continues to work with our people at HRNZ and industry as we undertake the transition of responsibilities.
The Board remains fully committed to the delivery of HRNZ’s strategy and will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure continuity and stability for the organisation and the wider industry while a replacement CEO is appointed.
We will in due course inform industry of any changes to responsibilities within HRNZ as we work through a process to find a new CEO.
In the interim and from 28th April, all business-related matters that would normally be channelled or communicated to Brad can be sent to Liz Bishop and all racing and wagering related matters to Matthew Peden.
The Board thanks Brad for his leadership and contribution and we wish him all the best as he returns to Australia.
