Protests
What was the nature of the protests during the Springbok tour?
Anti-apartheid demonstrations opposing sporting contact with racist South Africa
When did the Springbok tour begin?
July 19, 1981
Who were the Springboks' main opponents during the tour?
The New Zealand All Blacks
What was apartheid, and how did it relate to the tour?
Apartheid was South Africa's system of racial segregation and discrimination; the tour was controversial because it meant sporting contact with and implicit support of this racist regime
What long-term effects did the Springbok tour have on New Zealand society?
Increased awareness of racism and social justice, strengthened anti-apartheid movements, changed attitudes toward protest and civil disobedience, and influenced race relations
Name one city where significant protests occurred.
Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch, or Dunedin
What date was the game in Hamilton canceled?
July 25, 1981
What was the outcome of the match in Gisborne?
Springbok victory, 24-12
Who were the primary groups protesting the tour?
HART (Halt All Racist Tours), CARE (Citizens Against Racial Exploitation), church groups, student organizations, and Māori activists
How did international perception of New Zealand change due to the tour?
New Zealand was seen as divided and implicitly supportive of apartheid, damaging its progressive international image and reputation
What major event involved violence in Wellington?
The Molesworth Street police baton charge (May 29, 1981)
On what date did protests occur at Molesworth Street?
July 29, 1981
How many matches were canceled due to security concerns?
Two matches (Hamilton and one provincial match)
What role did the police play during the protests?
They enforced heavy security, formed the Red Squad (riot police) and Blue Squad, used batons and confrontational tactics against protesters
What was the reaction of the All Blacks during the protests?
The team was divided; some players sympathized with protesters and questioned the tour, while others wanted to focus solely on rugby
How did the protests impact the rugby games?
Games were disrupted, delayed, or canceled; some played under heavy security with barbed wire fences
Name the date of the third test in Auckland.
September 12, 1981
What was the score of the final game in the tour?
25-22, New Zealand (All Blacks) victory in the third test
Explain the phrase "A war played out twice a week."
It refers to rugby matches occurring twice weekly while protests became increasingly violent confrontations between police and protesters, creating a war-like atmosphere
Describe how the Springbok tour is remembered today.
It's remembered as a watershed moment in New Zealand history that forced the nation to confront issues of racism, colonialism, and social justice; seen as a defining national crisis
What was the slogan often associated with the protests?
Apartheid and rugby - no! Stop the tour!" or "No maoris, no tour"
What was the most notable date for protests during the tour?
September 12, 1981 (the third test with the flour bomb incident and massive protests)
Describe the significance of the "Itinerary of games" table.
It documented the controversial tour schedule that divided the nation and sparked months of protests across multiple cities
How did the Springbok tour reflect societal tensions in New Zealand?
It exposed deep divisions over race relations, Māori rights, activism, the separation of sport and politics, and New Zealand's international moral responsibilities
: What lessons can be learned from the events of the Springbok tour?
The importance of taking moral stands against injustice, the power of civil disobedience, that sport and politics cannot be separated, and the need to listen to marginalized voices