Vote Patrina

At last year’s AGM, I asked whether the next election period could include a candidate meet and greet with members. As that hasn’t eventuated, I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce myself and share my vision with you.

I’m a regular attendee on Friday evenings, usually spending time in the Lyell Creek Lounge with fellow regulars often near the leaner by the back tote machines or occasionally hosting friends at a reserved table. I also attend the monthly meetup group at the Alex Sports Bar and Eatery, and I’m a regular at the annual Melbourne Cup event held there.

To help connect during the election period:

• I’ve booked a table in the Lyell Creek Lounge on 21 November and will be available to mix and mingle.

• I plan to attend the Friday night races throughout the election period (with the exception of 14 November).

• I’ve also booked a table at the Alex Sports Bar and Eatery on 4 November for the Melbourne Cup.

I’d love to meet you, hear your ideas, and talk about how I can represent members authentically. Please come and say hello.

I’ve noticed that morale among members is low and understandably so. After several tough years, it feels like many have lost enthusiasm or belief in what’s possible. But I genuinely believe we’re close to turning a corner.

We’re incredibly fortunate to still have a club. We occupy prime central Auckland real estate, and we own it. That’s a powerful foundation, but it needs to be matched by the right leadership. With the right people on the board, those who bring energy, vision, and follow through, we can reset, rebuild confidence, and move forward.

That’s why this election is so important. We need to elect board members who are ready to take action and drive real progress.

As I’ve said in subcommittee meetings, when putting forward some of my ideas in front of current board members: "We need to get some runs on the board."

And I’m standing because I’m ready to help make that happen.

Yes. I’m grateful to those who’ve encouraged me to stand and supported me behind the scenes. A special thank you to my number one supporter and first nominator Deneece G, the founder of NZ Kidz Kartz, whose incredible work was proudly featured in my campaign video. Additionally, I appreciate the Kumeu Trotting Club for kindly allowing me to film at their track.

I’m also grateful to Carlos V, a new ATC member, for filming and editing the footage for my campaign video, which I directed, produced and scripted. And to fellow new member Shells K, who did my natural makeup for my candidate statement photo, she’s recently launched her own business offering both HR consulting and makeup services, and I’m proud to support her.

I truly value the support from all corners of the community.

I have a range of commercial ideas designed to drive profit and support the club's long term sustainability. These include passive income opportunities that require little to no upfront investment from the club, as well as low cost initiatives focused on growing and engaging our community. However, I won’t be sharing the specifics unless I’m elected to the board that’s when I’ll be in the right position to implement them effectively and ensure they benefit the club and its members.

Trainers and owners are the backbone of racing, and I believe we need to do more to support them at a practical level especially the smaller stables and owner trainers who participate as a hobby and often have fewer resources to call on. If viable and elected, I’d advocate for initiatives that help ease financial pressure on owners while also encouraging stronger participation, such as:

• Subsidised driver fees for example:
  

  • 1st–4th place: Owners cover the standard driver fee (typically offset by prize money).

  • 5th–last: The Club covers the fee as a participation incentive.

  • Alternatively, the Club could subsidise a percentage of all driver fees to reduce owner costs across the board.

• Travel incentives for out of region horses, including a buddy system where visiting trainers can notify the Club in advance if overnight accommodation is needed and be matched with a local host stable.

• Tiered prize money to reward larger fields and increase competitiveness.

• A focus on removing barriers for smaller operations and hobby trainers to help keep participation viable and enjoyable.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference and they don’t always need to cost much, or anything at all. With the right mindset, collaboration, and smarter use of existing resources, we can make meaningful changes that benefit everyone.

Of course, all proposals would need to be properly costed and discussed with the Board and stakeholders but I believe these ideas are worth exploring if we want to strengthen the base of the sport.

My professional experience equips me to make well informed, balanced decisions that prioritise the Club’s long term success and member value. Drawing on roles at organisations like Westpac, Flight Centre, Air New Zealand, Business Mechanix, and a subsidiary company of Crown Capital, I bring practical knowledge in financial responsibility and operations to help guide the Club toward better financial management. As a newer member of the Harness Racing Hall of Fame committee and an active ATC subcommittee member, I’m committed to supporting a financially sustainable, member focused, and future ready Auckland Trotting Club.

I also hold a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Japanese and Korean and am TESOL qualified (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), which has further strengthened my communication skills and ability to engage with people from diverse backgrounds.

Wishing all candidates the very best. It's not easy putting yourself forward. Thank you for stepping forward to contribute to the club.