New Zealand Rodeo Finals 2025 PROTEST
SAFE invites you to join us for a peaceful protest at the 2024/25 rodeo finals in Kihikihi, Waikato on Saturday 22 March.
Alongside other passionate anti-rodeo groups and campaigners, SAFE has long been calling for a rodeo ban. At this time we are also calling on the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) and the Government to release the revised rodeo code of welfare for public consultation, which will allow New Zealanders to voice their opinions on the future of rodeo events.
This is your opportunity to join us and send a clear message to the Government that Kiwis want to see this cruel form of ‘entertainment’ banned.
Why are we calling for a rodeo ban?
Rodeo is a brutal form of ‘entertainment’ in which horses, bulls, steers, and calves are used in competitive events. Gentle-natured herd animals are subjected to intense fear, distress and injury during rodeo events. The animals used in rodeo events are forced into terrifying situations where they are singled out, provoked with painful instruments, pursued and tormented.
This rodeo season, five animals died between 29 December and 16 March.
In terms of animal rights, rodeo breaches animals legal rights under New Zealand’s Animal Welfare Act by causing unnecessary pain and distress. The Act states that any physical handling of animals must be done in a way that minimises the likelihood of unnecessary pain or distress – most rodeo practices therefore violate this legislation.
Rodeo events are held for the entertainment of a small minority and have no place in a society that values compassion for animals.
Meeting point and briefing:
Please join us at our pre-briefing where we will be discussing important information on protest protocol, health & safety, and general rodeo/campaign updates.
Corner of Whitmore and Oliver Streets (outside Kihikihi School)
10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Saturday 22 March, 2025
Protest location:
The rodeo finals are being held at Kihikihi Domain.
We will be peacefully protesting at the entrance to the event from 10.30am-12.30pm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- This is a peaceful protest and open to members of the public.
- Aggressive or violent behaviour of any form will not be tolerated and any participants not respecting the peaceful nature of this protest will be asked to leave.
- SAFE will be providing security personnel to support the safety of all participants.
- There will be photo and video footage captured on the day for use by SAFE in our campaign communications. You will need to let a SAFE staff member know if you do not wish to be photographed/filmed.
- We will be outside for the duration of the protest and therefore recommend dressing for the weather on the day, bringing a hat, sunscreen, and layered clothing.
- Please bring your own water bottle and snacks.
- SAFE will be providing banners and placards for all participants.
Sign up to the Facebook Event
If you’re not able to join us on the day, you can still support the call for an end to rodeo by sending an email to NAWAC and the Minister responsible for Animal Welfare, Andrew Hoggard.
We’ve made it easy, all you need to do is click here and take action using our easy form: https://safe.org.nz/take-action/rodeo-cruelty/#take-action