THE 1981 SPRINGBOK TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND
For 56 days in July, August and September 1981, New Zealanders were divided, fighting against each other in the largest civil disturbance seen since 1951. Through the 1960s and 70s, many New Zealanders had come to believe that playing sport with South Africa condoned its racist apartheid system. Others disagreed. More than 150,000 people took part in over 200 demonstrations in 28 centres, and 1500 were charged with offences stemming from these protests.
To some observers it might seem inconceivable that the cause of this unrest was the visit to New Zealand of the South African rugby team (the Springboks). Although not a major sport internationally, rugby has established itself not only as New Zealand’s number one sport but as a vital component in this country’s national identity. In many ways the playing of rugby was not the main issue 1981, and the sport suffered in the following years as players and supporters came to terms with the consequences of the tour.
Some commentators have described this event as the moment when New Zealand lost its innocence as a country and as being a turning point in our view of ourselves as a country and people.
To some observers it might seem inconceivable that the cause of this unrest was the visit to New Zealand of the South African rugby team (the Springboks). Although not a major sport internationally, rugby has established itself not only as New Zealand’s number one sport but as a vital component in this country’s national identity. In many ways the playing of rugby was not the main issue 1981, and the sport suffered in the following years as players and supporters came to terms with the consequences of the tour.
Some commentators have described this event as the moment when New Zealand lost its innocence as a country and as being a turning point in our view of ourselves as a country and people.