New head for equine industry training body

Howat has considerable experience in industry training, including roles as chief executive of the industry training organisation for plastics and materials processing, and general manager of Apprentice Training NZ.

More recently, he has worked in developing qualifications, relationships and strategic plans for private companies.

Howat is also chairman of World Skills New Zealand.

NZ Equine Industry Training Organisation chairwomann Anne Phillips said the the body was delighted to appoint someone with Howat's experience and skills to lead the next phase of development.

"With Dudley Brown continuing with the organisation in a specialist role, we are well placed to grow the organisation over the next few years and provide greater leadership in the equine industry," she said.

Brown, who has worked for the training group since its inception, will be responsible for facilitating the delivery of education and maintaining standards through a modernisation programme.

Howat started his new role on July 20 and is based at the New Zealand Racing Board's office in Ellerslie, Auckland.

The training body established in 1993 and has the responsibility to meet the education and training needs for all facets of the racing and equine industries.

It is one of 39 industry training organisations in New Zealand and is recognised by the Tertiary Education Commission.

It provides training pathways from high school through to a Level 5 Massey University diploma qualification.

It has recently expanded its scope to cover Greyhound Racing, racing administration and broadcasting. Its membership includes the NZ Racing Board, Harness Racing New Zealand, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing, Greyhound Racing New Zealand and Equestrian Sports NZ.