Parklee Bucking Bulls rodeo heads to the coast

The big crowd watches Riley Ward compete in the junior section.Rodeo heads to the coast

Boosted by holiday-makers and featuring Porangahau locals who tried their hand as rodeo riders for the night, the first-ever bull riding event at the Duke of Edinburgh Hotel was a fantastic success, according to organisers.

At least 600 people turned out for the Parklee Bucking Bulls-organised event to watch some locals experience some heavy landings, said pub operator Michelle Gliddon, with no protesters in sight.

"Fantastic — that's the only word I have for it. We were a bit worried at first but then all hell broke loose and the people just piled in. The turnout was amazing and it was so professionally run. A really great family event," she said.

Despite being a non-points event, an impressive line-up of more than 20 riders and two dozen beasts made the trip out to Porangahau on the CHB coast for the Friday night event on January 19.

With dreadlocks and arms flailing, Porangahau local Orlando MacDonald appeared destined for a heavy landing during the local bull ride section at The Duke.

There was also a a junior section and a local bull ride where many residents — including Porangahau School board of Trustees chairman, Orlando MacDonald — took up the opportunity to become novice rodeo riders for the night.

"The locals gave it a good go," said Ms Gliddon. "They all had a ball — they loved it."
After such positive feedback from the riders and the crowd, Ms Gliddon said there were plans to make the event a regular fixture.

"Yes most definitely, hopefully it will become an annual event. The bull riders want to come back — they loved the community."

A donation from proceeds from last night will go to the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter Trust.