19 Feb 2013

Acting chair of racing unit resigns

7:50 pm on 19 February 2013

The acting chairman of the racing industry's disciplinary body has resigned less than six months after being appointed.

Kerry Hoggard, who was Harness Racing New Zealand's representative on the Racing Integrity Unit, was investigated by the Securities Commission for insider trading in 2000.

Wellington lawyer and former MP Stephen Franks, who was involved with the commission's investigation at the time, last week criticised Mr Hoggard's appointment.

Mr Hoggard said on Tuesday he has stepped down because of potential perception issues.

"I don't want the function of the JCA (Judicial Control Authority) or the Racing Integrity Unit to be jeopardised by the fact that there's some doubt about the integrity of the acting chairman of the RIU."

Harness Racing general manager Edward Rennell says the organisation was aware of the accusations, but judged Mr Hoggard on the dealings it had with him.