NZ Racing Board congratulates “exceptional” Member of NZ Order of Merit

The New Zealand Racing Board today congratulated Karyn Fenton-Ellis, 2014 Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) awardee, on the day she received her award at Government House in Wellington. She receives her honour for services to racing, the community and the Arts.

“Karyn has a long list of achievements for outstanding service to the community in a number of areas,” NZ Racing Board CEO Chris Bayliss said. “She has contributed in so many ways to racing; in governance, as a broadcaster and even as an owner. On behalf of the NZ Racing Board, I am delighted to salute such an exceptional recipient. I know the wider racing industry also sings her praises.”

Karyn Fenton-Ellis is the Chairman of the Waikato Racing Club and is a member of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing National Marketing Taskforce. In 2013 she was elected as a member of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Members’ Council which oversees the governance of, and appointments of Directors to, the Board of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. .

In 1992 she was appointed as one of two inaugural presenters for the New Zealand Racing Board’s television channel ‘Trackside’. Twenty-two years later she remains in that role and is the channel's longest-serving, continuous broadcaster. Karyn also became one of Radio Trackside's inaugural broadcasters when the New Zealand Racing Board launched its radio network in April 2005.

George Simon, Senior Commentator with Trackside Television and a long-time colleague, said “I’ve been working with Karyn for more than twenty years. She is a great broadcaster, great fun to work with and she sets high standards. She is inspirational for what she has achieved, not just in this industry but across the board.”

“I am privileged and very humbled to receive this honour particularly as it is a commendation for services to three areas of my life about which I am deeply passionate,” Karyn Fenton-Ellis said.

“Importantly, I truly believe that it reflects the dedication and contribution of the many great people and organisations I have been proud to work with for many years – I share today with them all.

ENDS

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