Animal activists are protesting outside the Whangarei Rodeo, saying animals are regularly abused at such events.
Similar protests are planned at rodeo events throughout the country.
We're currently at the Whangarei Rodeo taking a stand against cruelty. #BanRodeo pic.twitter.com/Vyo7DNCv4j
— Direct Animal Action (@animalactionNZ) January 8, 2016
Spokesperson Kathleen Lafferty said a horse had already died this rodeo season after getting stuck in a fence and last season two bulls were so severely injured they had to be put down.
"We believe it's unethical to deliberately goad animals into states of fear and distress all for the sake of entertainment, that's why we're calling on the government to implement a nationwide-ban."
Rodeo organisers had been told the group will be protesting, Ms Lafferty said.
The protesters had no intention of being confrontational, she said.
