From St Bede’s to top jobs in the racing industry, Edward's journey has been anything but ordinary.

Now the CEO of Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ), Edward has spent decades in the racing industry, combining his professional expertise with a lifelong passion for the sport.

After earning a BCom from Canterbury University, Edward spent 11 years in auditing and accounting roles before stepping into the CEO position at Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), where he led for 21 years. Following a three-year tenure at the TAB, managing racing dates, retail, and broadcasting, he took on his current role at GRNZ in 2022.

Outside of work, Edward is the first to admit he has outdone himself when it comes to family. “I am completely punching above my weight level with my wife Janice, three daughters (Sinead, Caitlin, and Emily), and two granddaughters (Zara and Elise) – soon to be three. In racing parlance, it’s a great testament to the fact an average sire can breed champions.”

Growing up with a father who was a bloodstock agent, Edward was always drawn to racing. “I had a love of racing and punting from a young age. I think I got the odd detention for listening to Cup Day races on the radio in class,” he recalls. When the opportunity arose in 1997 to merge his personal passion with his career, he seized it. “Ever since, I have been ‘trapped’ working in an industry that I love.”

Through his years in the industry, one thing that has stood out to him is the dedication of those involved. “People’s passion for the sport - be it thoroughbreds, harness, or greyhounds - is remarkable. It’s a significant contributor to the economy, but for those involved, it’s much more. There’s great camaraderie, and a deep love for the animals.”

Edward is currently navigating one of the toughest challenges of his career, as the government pushes for the closure of greyhound racing. “This is purely political and not based on sound analysis of the facts. The misinformation from activists is frustrating, and I encourage people to read GRNZ’s annual and quarterly reports to get the full story.”

Despite the uncertainty, he remains committed to fighting for the future of the sport. “The highlight of my career is still to come - getting this ban reviewed, for the sake of the 1,054 people employed in greyhound racing and maintaining the $160 million it contributes to the economy annually.”

Looking back, Edward acknowledges the influence of his time at St Bede’s. “It shaped me in ways I probably wasn’t even aware of - respect for people, hard work, the importance of family, and a love of sport.” The most valuable lesson he carries with him? “Enjoy life and have a laugh where you can.”

For current students considering a career in the industry, Edward offers a candid perspective. “It’s a time-consuming, all-encompassing activity. If you’re thinking of getting involved, you need to be 100% committed. Anything less and you won’t survive. It can be immensely rewarding, but it’s a challenging and dynamic environment. I keep saying it’s character-building, though at my age, shouldn’t my character be built already?”

Between work and family, Edward’s weekends are reserved for quality time with his granddaughters. “Grandkids are so much easier and better than kids. You just spoil them, give them back, and let the parents sort it out.”

Edward’s journey reflects a career driven by passion, resilience, and a sense of humour - qualities that have carried him from his days at St Bede’s to the helm of New Zealand’s racing industry.