Causes of the controversy of the springbok tour
- New Zealand’s problem with South Africa’s Apartheid policy.
- Boycotting of other countries playing sport with South Africa.
South Africa’s apartheid policy.
- Introduced in 1948
- Afrikaans for “Apartness”
- ment whites, coloured and blacks had to live in separate areas and use different public amenities.
- Representative teams chosen on race not merit.
- problem for NZ as cant send maori and Pacific islander players.
- 1970 some maori and pacific islanders were classed by the S.A. govt. as honorary whites so they could participate in tour.
Tours often canceled such as…
tour of 1972
S.A policy seen as a disgrace
lead to S.A leaving commonwealth in 1961.
Major issue NZ faced
S.A was our closest rivals on the rugby field
Why did H.A.R.T believe it was immoral for us to play S.A
team chosen on race not merit.
Who believed “Sport and Politics shouldn’t mix”
Robert Muldoon NZ Prime Minister.
1976 Olympics
Most Africian nations boycotted b/c NZ was attending, seen as a racist country.
S.P.I.R
Stop politics in rugby.
when did mass protests against the tour begin
May 1, 1981
as the tour proceeded
protests became more organized and aggressive.
Springbok vs. Waikato game in Hamilton, 25th of July 1981
aim was to get game cancelled.
tactic: to storm field
Auckland final - September 12 1981
Aim get game canceled at all costs
Protestors now wore helmets and pelted police with rocks, flour bombs on field.
Red squad, blue squad
wore riot gear to protect themselves, were shipped around the country to keep the calm.
Polarisation of NZ
Pro-tour- NZRU, rugby supporters, S.P.I.R. Robbert Muldoon, National Party.
Anti- H.A.R.T., Labor, other members of society.
Effect on NZ
Split families and work places.
Affects of John Minto.
- injured in the protests
- Attacks on home and family
Affects on Robert Muldoon.
- Only won 1981 elections by 1 seat previously held it by 3.
- refused to cancel tour as it would mean he would lose votes from rural NZ
how is this a significant event.
- Showed NZ that politics and sport are connected
- Split families anti and pro
- Gave NZ world wide attention.
- ultimately lead to the collapse of apartheid.
