Sun shines on rodeo - MP joins protesters

Brett McCorkindale, of Rotorua, competes in the steer wrestling. Photo / Stephen Jaquiery

Despite a protest by an anti-rodeo contingent, the New Zealand National Finals Rodeo finished without incident in Wanaka yesterday.

New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association president Lyal Cocks said more than 4000 people attended the rodeo over the two days, wrapping up a summer where rodeos around the country had seen ''bigger crowds''.

As was the case with January's Wanaka Rodeo, spectators were treated to a dose of sunshine, as well as some strong competition.

Mr Cocks said there had been standout performances from former national champions Corey Church, of Rotorua, and Patrick McCarthy, of Hawea Flat.

Early yesterday afternoon, about 30 peaceful protesters from the Animal Justice League NZ gathered at the entrance of the rodeo grounds with signs denouncing the sport and calling for it to be banned.

It was the group's third organised protest this summer, after appearances at Outram and Canterbury rodeos.

One of the protesters was Green MP Gareth Hughes, who said he was participating to show his support for the anti-rodeo group.

''For me, it's the use of varying animals, some as young as 3 months old, that are jerked violently off their feet by ropes, wrestled to the ground, tied up. This wouldn't happen on any modern farm; in fact it would be illegal on a New Zealand modern farm and it shouldn't be done in the name of entertainment.''

''I think the clock is ticking for rodeo,'' he said.

Members of the Animal Justice League NZ gathered at the entrance of the National Finals Rodeo at Wanaka yesterday. Photo / Sean Nugent

Mr Cocks disagreed.

''My biggest issue is the mixed messages coming from the anti-rodeo factions. I'd like to sit down and talk to them, but I can't get a consistent message from them.

''Banning rodeo outright, there's no justification. If you're going to do that, what are you basing it on? Every sport has an incident that we don't like.

''The coverage of the calf flipping high in the air is unacceptable. We introduced a red card system similar to rugby. If anybody roughly treats an animal in that sort of way they get disqualified. But with rugby, after a few head-high tackles you're not talking about banning rugby, which is the problem that we're talking about.''

The national champions were awarded their prizes at a function held at the Lake Wanaka Centre last night.