Strong calls have again been made to ban rodeos in New Zealand, after a bull died at an event, the Pukemanu Bullride, in Martinborough last night.

New Zealand Rodeo and Cowboys Association has confirmed there will be an inquiry into the death of the bull.

President of the Association Lyal Cocks, says it was clearly an unfortunate accident.

Reports indicate the bull broke its leg while in the ring, and after dragging itself out, a vet was on hand to sedate it and put it down.

Mr Cocks said all indications are that this was a freak accident.

"If all freak accidents led to the shutting down of sports, as called for by animal rights group SAFE, then there would be no sports left."

Animal rights group SAFE managing director, Mandy Carter, said "people are coming to think that this isn't part of our culture, it's part of US culture.

"It's got to the point now where it really is quite ridiculous, and rodeo has to be banned.

"Rodeo is very much a minority activity."

Ms Carter said rodeo is opposed around the world and anyone who knows anything about animal welfare, absolutely opposes it and says it should be banned.

SAFE said in a statement the distressed bull was bellowing in pain.