A mayoral spat has erupted between Auckland and Christchurch, with John Banks attacking the Southern city for allowing a rodeo to go ahead.
Banks has attacked Christchurch Civic leaders for allowing the event, saying it is cruel and barbaric.
Christchurch mayor Bob Parker is going to be at the rodeo, and says it would be ridiculous to ban an event which has passed SPCA inspection.
" [I can't believe] sophisticated leaders of that city would allow such barbaric exhibitionism at the expense of these beautiful animals to be paraded to people who are uneducated, uncouth, and bogans," says Banks.
Banks is a prominent opponent of rodeos and has banned them from being held in any Auckland City Council facilities.
But Christchurch mayor Bob Parker says the rodeo has to meet National Animal Welfare Committee guidelines, and be inspected by the SPCA.
Rodeo organisers claim Banks' assaults the promoters of a bull fight in Spain, but lacks knowledge or understanding of the events.
They are keen to take the rodeo to the Vector Arena in Auckland, saying Banks can not stop events being held on private property.
"As long as I'm mayor of this city it won't happen, it wouldn't be entertained, it's not possible, it is bad, wrong, I condemn it so don't worry about it, it won't happen in Auckland," says Banks.
More than 5000 people are expected at tonight's rodeo in Christchurch.
Organisers promise a spectacular night of bareback bronco riding, barrel racing, and bull riding, complete with music and fireworks.
3 News