Taumaranui rider John Ham battles his bronc at the Waimate Rodeo. Photo by David Bruce.
Mr Robinson's son Paul, of Dunback, rode the New Zealand Rodeo flag around the Waimate arena while the flag bearers, contestants and the crowd observed silence as a prayer was read to his father's memory.
The family has had a long association with the sport, Paul's grandfather setting up the Mt Studholme (Waimate) Rodeo Club and the first competition in 1995.
His father, who died on November 28, rode broncs and for the past 15 years was a pick-up rider for bronc and bull riders.
The event on Saturday, marking the start of the southern circuit, attracted 257 entries from as far north as Kaitaia and as far south as Invercargill.
