What impact did the 1981 Springbok tour have on NZ?

In the short term, the pro-tour lobby came out on top: the tour went ahead, apartheid remained intact and provincial New Zealand secured the National Party a narrow victory in the November general election. But these outcomes masked major changes that were just around the corner.

What was the problem with the 1981 Springbok tour?

Anti-apartheid movement The issue exploded in 1981 when the Springboks toured New Zealand. The Springbok tour was one of the most divisive events in New Zealand’s history. The country split into pro- and anti-tour factions, which often clashed violently at the matches.

What were the causes of the 1981 Springbok tour?

1981 Springbok tour The cause of this was the visit of the South African rugby team – the Springboks. South Africa’s apartheid policies and attitudes created obvious problems for New Zealand rugby, given the prominence of Māori in the sport.

Who won the 1981 Springbok tour?

The tourists squared the series with a convincing 24–12 victory at Athletic Park. The streets surrounding the ground resembled a battlefield as major protests occurred.

What games were Cancelled in the 1981 Springbok tour?

1981 Springbok tour

  • 22 July, Gisborne – the scene is set.
  • 25 July, Hamilton – game cancelled.
  • 29 July, Molesworth Street, Wellington – an ‘eruption of violence’
  • 15 August, first test, Christchurch.
  • 29 August, second test, Wellington.
  • 12 September, third test, Auckland.

Who led the Springbok tour protests?

John Denny was an organiser of protests in Hamilton and his home later became a target. Rugby fans and protesters were streaming out of Hamilton’s Rugby Park. The match had been called off – and 35,000 expectant fans would not get to see Waikato take on the Springboks.

Why was the 1973 Springbok tour Cancelled?

Page 4 – Stopping the 1973 tour With a Springbok tour to New Zealand scheduled for 1973, the issue was to become increasingly politicised. ‘ As if to warn him of the potential for civil unrest, a grandstand at Papakura was burnt down on 9 April 1973. Kirk’s mind had already been made up.

What were the Springbok tour protests about?

The Springbok Protests were the first protests in New Zealand where New Zealand was totally divided into two groups. The springbok protest was about issues with the South African Rugby Team playing rugby with the New Zealand Rugby team the All Blacks due to apartheid in South Africa at the time.

How did the 1981 Springbok tour affect New Zealand?

The 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand had varying social, political and economic effects of New Zealand and internationally, ultimately affecting the lives of New Zealanders significantly. The global televisation of a divided country significantly hurt the growing nation of New Zealand’s image.

What was the South Africa tour of 1981?

The 1981 South African rugby tour (known in New Zealand as the Springbok Tour, and in South Africa as the Rebel Tour) polarised opinions and inspired widespread protests across New Zealand. The controversy also extended to the United States, where the South African rugby team continued their tour after departing New Zealand.

Why did the Springbok tour end apartheid in South Africa?

Although there were many other leading causes of the end of Apartheid in South Africa (such as the fall of the USSR and the end of Cuban help in Angola), the 1981 Springbok Tour and Protests were also a factor that meant Apartheid was ended in 1991.

How did the rugby tour affect New Zealand?

However the tour continued to affect New Zealand long after the final game in Eden Park as scenes in New Zealand were televised internationally, exposing the world to what New Zealand was like during this fifty-six day period. Internally, the tour affected New Zealand on social, economic and political levels.