Farming
New Zealand’s southern most rodeo event is happening at Sandy Point this weekend, with an expected crowd of around 3000.
Southland Rodeo is part of a southern circuit, following events in Lawrence, Outram, Mataura, Wanaka and Millers Flat, and concluding with Ranfurly at the end of the month.
The club had about 30 members and was part of the NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association.
President Matt Adams said cowboys came from all over the North Island to be involved in events over a 10-day period in the south, and the competitions were gaining traction every year.
The event on Sunday was more of a family day out – much like the popular Wanaka Rodeo over Christmas-New Year that attracts crowds of up to 6000.
Matt said all of club members tucked in and rolled up their sleeves to make their annual rodeo happen every year. But they absolutely couldn’t run it without the help of their sponsors.
The more competitors who entered the events around the country, the better the prize money, especially for the top riders – so each club worked hard to promote their event.
But Matt said you didn’t have to belong to a club to enter any of the rodeo events nationally, so head along to Oreti Beach on Sunday February 11 for a look. The event kicks off at 9:30am.
