Rodeo contest proceeds as activists protest
The national rodeo finals went off without a hitch – though not without critics – near Wanaka at the weekend.
About 15 animal rights activists protested at the entrance to the National Rodeo Finals at Albert Town. They did not come into the arena and left the area after about an hour, according to rodeo officials.
The National Cowboys Association has 35 affiliated rodeos around New Zealand and it was the Wanaka Rodeo Club’s turn to host the finals.
In a statement, Animal Justice League spokeswoman Holly Button said said the protesters were at the event to ‘‘send a message that rodeo’s days are numbered’’.
‘‘It’s time for us to move on and entertain ourselves without causing animals to suffer.’’
The Labour Party had promised action on rodeo and it was ‘‘only a matter of time before these abusive rodeos come to an end’’, she said.
National Cowboys Association president Lyal Cocks, of Wanaka, said about 15 protesters were spoken to by police.
‘‘We have had no incidents down here [at the arena]. No significant injuries to any contestants and no injuries to any animals,’’ Cocks said.
Paul Robinson, of Palmerston, was treated by medics in the arena for about 10 minutes after winning round two of the saddle bronc.
He was understood to have injured his leg and was carried from the arena on a stretcher.
Tributes were paid at the opening to Wanaka Rodeo Club stalwart Ron Cooper, who died on March 5 aged 85, and promising bare-back rider Will Gregory, of Christchurch, who died in December aged 20. Hawea Flat cowboy Patrick McCarthy led a riderless horse around the arena in memory of Gregory, whose family were at the event.
About 800 people travel around New Zealand every summer to compete in rodeo events.
Animal rights activists’ concerns include calf roping and excessive use of whips, while rodeo participants have maintained their right to do a sport and hobby of their choice and say they take animal welfare very seriously.
Activists also campaigned at other stops of the New Zealand rodeo summer circuit.
New Zealand Rodeo officials are spending $25,000 on a campaign to improve the image of the sport.
The Rodeo Code of Welfare was reviewed in 2016. There has been an increase in training clinics for novice competitors and riders.
The Government has refused to ban rodeos but Associate Minister of Agriculture Meka Whaitiri has issued a warning that welfare measures must be adhered to, adding that ways to improve animal welfare would be explored.