Overview
The 1981 Springbok Tour is one of the most significant events in
New Zealands history. Sporting contact with the Springbok rugby team
led to the greatest unrest New Zealand had seen since the Depression
Riots of the 1930s and the 1951 waterfront strike.This rugby tour
brought the issues surrounding racism and in particular the regieme
of apartheid in South Africa to the forefront and into the concious
of many people. Those opposed to inequality and racism saw this tour
as an opportunity to voice their opinion and call for a change in
South African law regarding apartheid.
There were two clear views on the issue of playing sport with South Africa that polarised the New Zealand community. Supporters of the tour were mostly heart, dedicated rugby fans who believed that sport and politics should not mix. Opposers of the tour believed that allowing sporting contact with the Springboks would mean that New Zealand supported South Africas apartheid legislation. They also believed that it was immoral to allow teams selected by race to play in and against New Zealand. Over the course of this tour there were over 200 demonstrations involving 150,000 people.
This level of resistance and protest caught the attention of people on a global scale and clearly showed the New Zealands stance on the issue of apartheid. It also showed that New Zealand as a country has a strong opinion on global contemporary issues and who were not afraid to voice their opinion or to act and do something about the atrocities and injustices happening overseas.
The 1981 Springbok Tour had a huge impact on the lives of people alive at the time and who are alive now. This issue has huge significance to New Zealanders as it meant redeeming New Zealands tarnished international reputation through solidarity and support of those suffering due to the system of apartheid in South Africa. This tour allowed New Zealand to under go a huge social and political change that benefits New Zealanders today.
This tour had many significant causes and consequences as well as many key individuals and groups who were involved in the protest action, or stopping it. Click on the tabs at the top of this page to read on and find out more.
There were two clear views on the issue of playing sport with South Africa that polarised the New Zealand community. Supporters of the tour were mostly heart, dedicated rugby fans who believed that sport and politics should not mix. Opposers of the tour believed that allowing sporting contact with the Springboks would mean that New Zealand supported South Africas apartheid legislation. They also believed that it was immoral to allow teams selected by race to play in and against New Zealand. Over the course of this tour there were over 200 demonstrations involving 150,000 people.
This level of resistance and protest caught the attention of people on a global scale and clearly showed the New Zealands stance on the issue of apartheid. It also showed that New Zealand as a country has a strong opinion on global contemporary issues and who were not afraid to voice their opinion or to act and do something about the atrocities and injustices happening overseas.
The 1981 Springbok Tour had a huge impact on the lives of people alive at the time and who are alive now. This issue has huge significance to New Zealanders as it meant redeeming New Zealands tarnished international reputation through solidarity and support of those suffering due to the system of apartheid in South Africa. This tour allowed New Zealand to under go a huge social and political change that benefits New Zealanders today.
This tour had many significant causes and consequences as well as many key individuals and groups who were involved in the protest action, or stopping it. Click on the tabs at the top of this page to read on and find out more.