Whip rules in NZ are pretty lenient compared to some other countries but stewards are still being pretty proactive in their monitoring
Only a few weeks back,,five riders faced the wrath of stewards for excessive use of the whip
All at the one meeting!

In Germany the use of the whip is limited to a maximum of 5 hits which a rider may give to a horse during the whole race,,only for the purpose of encouragement

Even this number of hits could be deemed too much if the horse is well beaten or easily winning or being clear for its placing

Whip rules in Oz changed for jumps racing a few months back
Jockeys are now allowed to use the whip up to 10 times before the 100m but not in consecutive strides
Jockeys will not be allowed to use the whip in consecutive strides during the final 100m of an event

this seems to be a popular solution, starting with the 2yo's

"The whip may be carried, to be used forward of the saddle, slap down the shoulder with both hands on reins, or waved at the horse forward with the hand coming off the rein, but never used behind the saddle."

..might have read the same article
..start with the 2yo's..stage 1
..followed by the 3yo's..stage 2
..then the remainder..stage 3

Does that means that 3yo could be at a disadvantage during stage 2, if they were to race against older horses

..possibly

Luke Currie & Daniel Moor recent additions to the list of jockeys suspended for over-use of the whip

Add Katelyn Mallyon
Was adjudged to have used the whip 12 times prior to the 100m mark in the Turnbull Stakes earlier this month
7 more uses above the 5 allowed

And add Daniel Moor
Suspended Nov 11th for his overuse of the whip after his mount was narrowly beaten at Rosehill
Moor was found guilty of striking Lycurgus 14 times before the 100m – 9 more than he was allowed
He can resume riding this Wednesday