For 56 days in July, August and September 1981, New Zealanders were divided against each other in the largest civil disturbance in New Zealand since the Watersiders strike in 1951. 150,000 people took part, in over 200 demonstrations in 28 centres. 1,500 people were charged with offences. A civil war mentality emerged and New Zealand suffered a division not believed possible in Kiwi society. New Zealand was divided, the pro-tour side was made up of provincial or older New Zealanders who believed in centrality of rugby as part of our national identity. They believed that sport and politics should not mix. The anti-tour movement were made up of New Zealanders who had come to political consciousness in the years following the Vietnam War. They were made up of largely urban people, many of who having a tertiary education. They believed it was immoral to let racially selected teams come to New Zealand as it sent a message that New Zealand didn’t mind the racist
policies in South Africa. The Springbok Tour of 1981 split families and friends and effectively polarised New Zealand society.
policies in South Africa. The Springbok Tour of 1981 split families and friends and effectively polarised New Zealand society.