What were the consequences of the 1981 Springbok tour?

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 happened during the Springbok tour protest?

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 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.

What was the result of the 1981 Springbok tour?

A significant and most clear consequences of the 1981 Springbok tour was the manner in which New Zealand public had been divided. Before the Springboks were even welcomed into New Zealand, Kiwi’s never really had the same perspective towards the tour. This left tensions running high in New Zealand’s cities, towns and even family living rooms.

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.

When did South Africa tour New Zealand in 1981?

Something similar was happening exactly thirty years ago this month, when South Africa’s Springboks accepted an invitation from the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU) to tour this country. The 1981 Springbok Tour was a momentous time in New Zealand’s history and has been the subject of much debate since.

Why was there a boycott of the Springbok tour?

The campaign to oppose the Springbok tour of New Zealand was part of a huge international campaign to isolate South Africa in every aspect of its international dealings. There was a widely supported boycott of South African exports, a campaign to prevent trade with the Republic, and a sporting and cultural boycott.