The political leaders of New Zealand were not the only influential people in the anti-tour movement, the educated middle class people were critical to the movement. Exposed to the international world of learning, they were articulate in their promotion of the circumstances that they saw as issues. The unions and working-class activists played an important role in anti-tour protest, but the largest numbers in the streets were the educated middle class people.
ACTIVIST GROUPS
HART (Halt All Racist Tours) was a protest group founded by University of Auckland students with the specific aim of opposing sporting contact with South Africa. They worked to spread an awareness of their view that by participating in sporting competitions with South Africa, New Zealanders were condoning the racial separatism and apartheid. In 1981 their national leader John Minto became one of the public faces of the anti tour movement, attracting special criticism from Prime Minister Robert Muldoon and pro tour supporters. Although HART committed itself to non-violent disruption, Prime Minister Muldoon condemned the organisation for their work, insisting that they had 'spread lies about New Zealand overseas'. Because of the nature of his beliefs and his fame in the anti-tour movement, the long batons used by police during the tour were nicknamed 'Minto bars' after the organisation's leader John Minto.
A number of other organisations gained prominence in their opposition to the tour, including CARE (Citizens Association for Racial Equality) and NAAC (National Anti-Apartheid Council). Many other smaller organisations were based around local action. There were many more small opposition groups that focused on non-violent protests locally to where they lived. The widespread organisation of opposition to the tour was a key feature of the protest movement.
A number of other organisations gained prominence in their opposition to the tour, including CARE (Citizens Association for Racial Equality) and NAAC (National Anti-Apartheid Council). Many other smaller organisations were based around local action. There were many more small opposition groups that focused on non-violent protests locally to where they lived. The widespread organisation of opposition to the tour was a key feature of the protest movement.