What happened during the 1981 Springbok tour protests?
For 56 days in July, August and September 1981, New Zealanders were divided against each other in the largest civil disturbance seen since the 1951 waterfront dispute. More than 150,000 people took part in over 200 demonstrations in 28 centres, and 1500 were charged with offences stemming from these protests.
What happened at the Hamilton game Springbok tour?
On 25 July 1981 a rugby game between the Waikato team and the touring South African Springboks was cancelled after anti-apartheid protesters stormed onto the ground at Rugby Park in Hamilton. Violence erupted after the game was called off, as this film footage shows.
Why did the 1981 Springbok tour protest happen?
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.
What were the key events of the 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.
What happened before the 1981 Springbok tour?
The controversy involving New Zealand, and specifically New Zealand rugby, has its own history before the 1981 tour. In 1970, the All Blacks toured South Africa with a mixed race team.
What happened during the Molesworth St protest?
On the 29th of July, 1981, protesters opposing the Springbok Tour were met by baton-wielding police trying to stop them marching up Molesworth St to the home of South Africa’s Consul to New Zealand. This was the first time police had used batons against protestors, and the violence horrified many New Zealanders.
How did the 1981 Springbok Tour end?
Fighting was also happening outside the grounds as well, the police fought against the ruthless protesters as they tried everything to stop the game from continuing. But their efforts we futile as the game proceeded, and the All Blacks resulted in a close victory of 25-22.
What happened before the 1981 Springbok Tour?
How did the Springbok tour affect South Africa?
It has been said that the Springbok Tour Protests were a starting point to Nelson Mandela’s freedom and eventually he became the first black South African president. Not only did the Tour Protests bring about an end to apartheid in South Africa, but it created an increase awareness of racism in New Zealand society.
How did the 1981 Springbok tour end?
How did the 1981 Springbok tour affect South Africa?
Impact in South Africa The 1981 tour was part of a long process that led to this significant change in South Africa, and in this respect, it represented New Zealand’s contribution towards a major international development in the closing decades of the 20th century.