Tomorrow, animal advocacy organisation Direct Animal Action will present a deputation to the Rodney Local Board at their business meeting urging them to end rodeo at Auckland Council’s Warkworth Showgrounds.
Direct Animal Action spokesperson Stephanie Koks says the board's business meeting agenda (*1) and their work programme report for 2021/2022 Q2 (*2) reveal that Auckland Council staff advised the board not to renew the Warkworth Rodeo Club's lease at the Showgrounds until after their decision on the Draft Rodney Local Parks Management Plan, which is expected around March or April 2023.
"The rodeo club has claimed that roadworks and traffic congestion are the reason why they've canceled their event this season. But that's just an attempt to save face.
"We're hopeful that Auckland Council is making moves to remove the rodeo arena from the Showgrounds, in the same way they are removing the greyhound racing track from Manukau Sports Bowl as part of the Manukau Local Parks Management Plan.
"Auckland Council has finally realised that controversial animal abuse industries like rodeo and greyhound racing do not fit with the progressive, values-based image of themselves that they want to present to Aucklanders.
"We're really pleased that Auckland Council and local boards are starting to making moves that match the needs of the diverse communities they serve.
"Animal abuse for entertainment or gambling is fast losing its social license across New Zealand.
"Tomorrow, we hope to get an indication from the board that the rodeo arena will be dismantled and replaced with an activity space more reflective of community needs and values," says Ms Koks.
ENDS
What: Rodney Local Board Business Meeting
When: Wednesday 7 December, from 10am
Where: Orewa Service Centre, 50 Centreway Road, Orewa.
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