From driving tour buses through the Middle East to commentating at the first Rugby World Cup, working as a sports broadcaster and breakfast announcer, being New Zealand’s first-ever commission radio sales executive, then running the radio station – and now keeping the bars stocked and sponsors smiling on raceday – Andrew Love has had a varied and colourful career.
Andrew’s journey with Racing Tauranga began in 2011 when he joined the Board while the club was still part of the TRAC Group. Back then, sponsorship was handled by a dedicated manager and the event centre by Classic Cuisine. When Racing Tauranga branched out on its own, Andrew stepped in to take over sponsorship – fresh from his role as NZME’s Bay of Plenty Regional Manager – and now also oversees the bars and event centre bookings outside of raceday.
By the time the gates open, most of Andrew’s work is already done – but he’s far from standing still. “I make sure sponsors are happy and looked after when it comes to their race, that the bars are running smoothly, and I help my wife, Louise, wherever she needs an extra hand,” he says.
Working in a small, tight-knit team means pitching in with “a bit of everything” – vacuuming, rubbish runs, keeping an eye on patrons’ wellbeing – whatever it takes to keep the day running smoothly. “All those little things matter. We all pitch in, and it’s paid off – last year we were named NZ Club of the Year.”
Andrew’s racing roots go back decades – first as a sponsor through the radio industry, and even earlier in the 1980s when, as a local radio personality, he took part in a donkey derby at the racecourse. He’s also owned a number of horses over the years, with the real thrill being when they win at Tauranga. A highlight was watching New Zealand champion Balmerino run second in the Arc de Triomphe in Paris in 1977. He loves the big events and has attended some of the world’s great racedays, including the Melbourne Cup, Caulfield Cup, Epsom Derby, Arc de Triomphe, and races at Ascot and Newmarket.
Outside the track, Andrew is a seasoned traveller, having explored over 100 countries – including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran – and more recently spent 18 months living in a motorhome with Louise, travelling across Europe and the UK. Sport has been another lifelong passion – he’s commentated on more than 500 rugby matches, including the third-place playoff at the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup, broadcast worldwide.
When it comes to favourite racedays, Andrew can’t pick just one. “They all have their own flavour – Christmas at the Races with the office parties, the New World Summer Festival with families, our big Group race days like the Gartshore Tauranga Stakes and the Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy, and iconic events like Seeka Kiwifruit Cup Day.”
His favourite horses range from the brilliant but charmingly unpredictable Australian sprinter Chautauqua to New Zealand’s grey flash Grey Way.
One of the most underrated parts of the industry, Andrew says, is the sheer work ethic of jockeys and trainers. “Dealing with a 600kg animal isn’t easy, but they’re so loved and cared for. Most people don’t realise just how well they’re looked after.”
If he could swap jobs for a day, Andrew would try his hand at race calling – “I’ve never called a race, but it would be a challenge.”
His advice for newcomers? “Listen and ask questions – there’s so much knowledge in this industry.”
Looking to the future, Andrew is proud of the growth Racing Tauranga has achieved under Louise’s leadership and is excited to see the club continue to evolve.