Rodeo organisers are defending the sport amidst growing criticism.
Events are taking place throughout the country today, including one in Wanaka, where 4,000 spectators are expected to attend.
Rodeo Cowboys Association president Lyal Cocks says the sport is growing in popularity.
He told Tim Dower that there is nothing wrong with what they do.
"The animals aren't distressed. It's a very short activity for them, and the rest of the the they are living very good, well looked at lives."Â
Cocks says they are one of the most scrutinised sports, and they fully comply with all government regulations.
He says that there is a lot of misinformation out there about the sport.
"We've made changes, even in the last year. Like any sport, it evolves."
One such change is they no longer use calf riding.
Cocks points out that there are other events throughout the country, including horse racing, involving animals.Â
"It's not different from the rugby championship."Â
LISTEN TO LYAL COCKS TALK WITH TIM DOWER ABOVE
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