New Poverty Bay A&P Association life member Neville Clark has had a second life membership come his way, from the New Zealand Rodeo Association. Here he is, pictured with his wife Jody.
New Poverty Bay A&P Association life member Neville Clark has had a second life membership come his way, from the New Zealand Rodeo Association. Here he is, pictured with his wife Jody.
Hard on the heels of his life membership with the Poverty Bay A&P Association, Neville Clark has been made a Life Member of the New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association.
The renowned stock auctioneer, show commentator and former rodeo competitor is “one of those rare individuals who has left his markon rodeo from every angle”, NZ Rodeo said on social media.
As a competitor, Clark claimed multiple NZRCA titles, was a NZ Rodeo Association board member for 12 years and remains “the soundtrack of North Island rodeos” as a commentator.
Gisborne's own Neville Clark was the 'all round' NZ rodeo cowboy champion twice back in the day. Sensational rides like this show why he was able to achieve that level of competition. Photo / Supplied
“Neville has helped to guide the sport forward,” NZ Rodeo said.
“His passion shines through behind the microphone, where his steady voice and deep knowledge have become part of North Island rodeos.
“Neville’s award is a recognition of decades spent giving, supporting, and lifting the sport.
“He has always championed the values of rodeo — respect, hard work, pride, and community. From the chute to the commentary box, he has inspired generations of competitors and continues to be a role model for those coming through.”
Neville Clark was a competitive rodeo cowboy for 25 years and he's now regarded as 'the voice' of the sport in the North Island as a commentator. Photo / Supplied
Clark said receiving the award was a “great thrill, really amazing and a humbling experience”.
It was presented at the recent NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association annual general meeting.
“It blew me away.”
He competed in rodeo for 25 years, predominantly in NZ, winning the national ‘All Round’ title in 1987 and again in 1994.
“We went hard, Jody and I.
“We’ve done it all together.”
Jody Clark, his wife, was a barrel racer when the couple met. They were married in the mid-1980s and have two adult children.
“I stopped competing in 1998 and took up polo and rodeo announcing, which I’m still doing.”
He does the call at five to six North Island rodeos a season.
Clark had this to say on social media to rodeo competitors across the country: “Respect the clubs and their members — they’re putting on a rodeo so you can put on a performance for them and their supporters.
