Lady Karyn Ellis MNZM

Director

Lady Karyn Ellis MNZM is a Director of Te Akau Racing and a Licensed Syndicator with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. Her role spans syndication, owner and client liaison, communications, marketing, digital channels and the wider strategic direction of Te Akau. Together with Sir David Ellis KNZM, she also hosts owners and guests at Te Akau Stud and plays a central part in the experience provided to Te Akau owners.

Originally from Timaru, Lady Karyn studied in Austria after receiving an AFS Scholarship in her final year of secondary school and is fluent in German. She later built a distinguished career in racing broadcasting. In 1992, she and George Simon became the inaugural presenters of the television service then known as Action TV, later Trackside. Across a 26-year broadcasting career, she presented programmes including Retro, Weigh In and First Call, worked as a studio presenter and was a founding broadcaster with Radio Trackside. She also co-hosted Karaka Premier Sale coverage for 10 years and received the Media Award in 2012.

Her leadership extends well beyond broadcasting. Lady Karyn was elected World President of Junior Chamber International in 2000, won its World Public Speaking Competition in 1989 and received a Trinity College London Exhibition Award for speech and drama. She served nine years on the Waikato Racing Club Board, including five as Chairman, and is a Life Member of the club. She also completed the maximum nine years on the New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Members’ Council.

Lady Karyn was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2014 for services to the community, the arts and racing. She and Sir David are Co-Patrons of EquiPotential in Hamilton.

Her broadcasting, governance and owner-relations experience continues to support Te Akau’s communication, syndication and owner experience as the operation grows across New Zealand and Australia.