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Story: Taranaki region

Ferdinand the bull

Audio file

Ferdinand the bull has been a Taranaki rugby mascot since the 1950s. He has appeared in a number of guises. This smoke-exhaling version is 'Big Ferdie',  built for a 2005 match against the British and Irish Lions. In the audio clip, Taranaki rugby supporters sing of Ferdinand’s talents, to the tune of ‘Robin Hood’. The song ends with a suitably awe-inspiring bull roar.

Using this item

Taranaki Daily News

by Trevor Read

Sound file courtesy of Radio Taranaki

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How to cite this page

Ron Lambert, Taranaki region – Sport and recreation, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/music/25353/ferdinand-the-bull (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Ron Lambert, published 23 February 2010, updated 1 August 2015.