Spills, thrills and big bucks in Mid Northern Rodeo

Protesters outside the Mid Northern Rodeo in Whangārei.

New Zealand's top rodeo riders were on show at the Mid Northern Rodeo over two days at the weekend. Some of the best bucking broncs and bulls in the business made sure competitors didn't get an easy ride. Photographer Michael Cunningham was there.

Havelock North cowboy Ross Dowling hangs on in the open saddle bronc ride.

Kamo's Ken Massey is a committee member for the Mid Northern Rodeo.

National secretary Dianna Bradshaw keeps the show on the road.

Aaron Church Jnr, leaps off his mount to wrestle a steer.

Tate Macdonald, from Athol, takes a laidback approach to his bronc riding

Corey Church, from Rotorua, manages to get a hand on a steer during his crack at the steer wrestling event.

Arthur Shaw, from Amberley, gets a tough ride in the bareback bronc competition.