New Zealand Bloodstock’s Director of Business Mike Kneebone was recently presented the NZTR Award for Outstanding Global Achievement at the New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards last week.
Playing a key role in attracting overseas buyers to Karaka and promoting the New Zealand thoroughbred and its industry on a global stage, Kneebone received a standing ovation at the awards ceremony for his dedication and passion.
The Head Auctioneer has spent many years abroad developing markets and relationships across Asia and Australia, having been based in Singapore for six years, and the last eight years in Sydney, establishing a strong brand presence for NZB and promoting the New Zealand thoroughbred.
NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook commented on the deserved award for NZB’s longstanding team member.
“He’s got that uncanny ability to get on with people from all walks of life.”
“He got that brilliant personality of putting people at ease and gets the trust of people so quickly.
“Mike is so deserving of this award,” added Seabrook.
“He travels the world thinking of the whole New Zealand thoroughbred industry, not just New Zealand Bloodstock.
“He’s a champion for the New Zealand produce, people, and it’s horses. He’s just a great ambassador and an amazing person.”
Developing great foundations and ties with clients from all over the world, Kneebone continues to travel frequently to maintain relationships in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, Macau as well as across Australia.
“It is an absolute thrill, I’m very humbled by it but thrilled to be recognised by the industry in a job I love,” commented Kneebone after accepting the award on Sunday night.
“I was originally a cattle auctioneer, but my father was a journalist, and I enjoyed going to the races.
“It was through the auctioneering I was able to work in the industry, ending up at New Zealand Bloodstock.
Described as a ‘seller of dreams’, Mike mentioned the ease of marketing the New Zealand thoroughbred to the world with their consistent racetrack performances at the highest level and the value they provide.
“It’s so marketable because it’s so good.”
“People around the world recognise the quality of the New Zealand horse but also the value of it,” Kneebone commented.
“Those two things combined make it pretty easy to market.”
View the full video from Love Racing here.
