RSA ponders shift to raceway

The New Plymouth RSA's home could shift to the Pukekura Raceway under a plan being considered by the club's executive committee.

The Taranaki Daily News understands the RSA is looking into the possibility of shifting its base as it attempts to distance itself from its partnership with Steve and David Crow.

The Crows bought the RSA's Strandon property in 2008 and lease a section back to the club but ongoing disputes between club members and the Crows have left the partnership hanging by a thread.

The shift of premises is understood to be one of a number of options the RSA executive committee is looking into after rejecting the Crows' latest proposal to resolve the standoff.

Taranaki Thoroughbred Racing chairman John Gray confirmed there had been an "informal discussion" about the possibility of a move to the racing club.

He said the club was waiting for confirmation the RSA was keen on the idea before it could go any further.

"Then we could start talking about where we're going to put them and the functionality of it," he said.

"It's premature to say yes they are coming here. We see benefit in it, we think they see benefit in it.

"But I think it's pie in the sky stuff at the moment.

"We've had a very short informal discussion saying: Could it be done?

"Yes it could be done. Will it be done? Well there's a lot of water to go under the bridge before it could happen."

Acting RSA president Eric "Tex" Schwass did not wish to comment yesterday.

Former president Roy Komene stepped down last month because of ill health.

Royal New Zealand RSA chief executive Stephen Clarke did not wish to comment yesterday but is coming to New Plymouth today.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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