Gabriel, Val and Steve have their say about Rodeos in new Zealand.

For more than six decades residents and visitors have attended the New Year's rodeo at the Warkworth showgrounds. For many, it's a fun-filled family day out. However, pressure from animal rights activists has put the event under intense scrutiny.

Rodeo sponsors and some supporters of the Northland and Warkworth Rodeos have recently pulled away from the sport after anti-rodeo activists raised concerns about how animals were being treated.

The Rodney Times asked the public what they thought about rodeos - whether the events were still popular, or has public opinion changed?

Matthew Cattin Paul Green says animals are well-looked after at rodeo events.

Support for rodeos was still strong in Orewa and Warkworth. However, some did think the tide was turning.

Kaipara Flat's Paul Green is all for rodeos and says the events are very popular and are good for the community.

"I believe the animals are well looked after and the event bring communities together, although I have never been to a rodeo myself," he says.

Renee Clayton Steve Opitz shares his thoughts about the New Zealand Rodeo.

"I think the events should continue but believe it is very important that people look at the bigger pictures and not just take in the distorted stuff we see on television."

Auckland's Steve Opitz agreed with Green saying rodeos are good for the community and the animals are treated fairly.

"I attended a rodeo in the States and it was great fun. I believe the people who run these shows generally care and love the animals, I could be wrong but I believe the people have good intentions," he says.

Matthew Cattin Gabriel Ransom says rodeos could be modernised.

"I think the shows will survive but public opinion is changing as people are becoming more conscious about animal rights and protecting them."

Leigh resident Gabriel Ransom agrees that people's opinions are changing and says he has noticed the number of protesters has increased.

"I attended the Warkworth show and saw it was still a popular event but I think it could all be modernised a bit better, maybe with mechanical bulls," he says.

Renee Clayton Val Bird shares her experience about watching a Rodeo event.

When asked if he thought the animals were treated fairly Ransom said no.

"I don't think the animals are treated particularly well. I saw small calves running around, being tied up and bashed around," he says.

Val Bird from Brown's Bay also witnessed the same thing in Australia a few years ago and did not like what she saw.

"It is not something I would like to see again. The animals looked quite sad, although the crowd had a great time," she says.

"I do not think the events are as popular these days because people are more aware of the animal cruelty that is involved."

"I tend to see more negative comments about it, although it is difficult for onlookers like us to say, but I think the animals are looked after prior to the events but the way they are treated during the event is horrific."

Bird says she does not think rodeos in New Zealand will survive, "well I hope not anyway".

According to an unscientific poll on the Rodney Times Neighbourly page, more than half of respondents [67 per cent] said rodeos should be banned, and 33 per cent said the event should continues.

A total of 191 people voted.