How many people were affected by the Springbok tour?

How many people were affected by the Springbok tour?

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 consequences of the 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 1981 Springbok tour protests?

This weekend marks 40 years since the notorious flour-bomb incident at Eden Park during the 1981 Springbok tour. Violence erupted outside the stadium grounds as protesters and police faced off, while others threw flour bombs and flares on the field to stop the game.

Why was the Springbok tour Bad?

However, the game, which was to see the Springbok go up against Waikato, was cancelled due to the protests. The grounds were invaded by over a hundred anti-tour protesters, and gossip was spread that a light aircraft, which would be ideal for dropping things on the pitch, had been stolen from Taupo.

Why did people protest the Springbok tour 1981?

The South African Apartheid that had been in policy in South Africa was a cause of the protests against the Springbok tour in New Zealand in the 1980s. This Apartheid segregated races into whites and blacks. Segregation meant that key players like George Nepia, a Maori man, were left behind.

Why was the Hamilton game Cancelled?

Hamilton game cancelled, 25 July 1981 (2.5mb) In the tour opener at Gisborne, anti-tour protesters had managed to break through a perimeter fence but were prevented from occupying the field and disrupting the match. Plans had been made to tear down perimeter fencing and flood the field with protesters.

Why was the 1973 Springbok tour Cancelled?

National’s new leader Robert Muldoon declared that the cancellation of the tour was ‘one issue on which people will change their vote’. He maintained that a National government would welcome a Springbok team to New Zealand, ‘even if there were threats of violence and civil strife’.

How were the police affected by the Springbok tour?

Protests caused obstruction and the cancellation of games, and violence escalated between protesters, supporters and police during the tour. The elite Red Squad were the most feared for their violent tactics, including unsanctioned use of their PR24 batons, which were not permitted to be used above the chest.

Why did people protest against the 1981 Springbok tour?

What did Hart do during the Springbok tour?

‘Wound up bunch of people in Invercargill’: Hart leader recalls ’81 Springbok tour. When John Minto visited Invercargill during the 1981 Springbok tour, he clashed with police during protest action, got a gash on his head, was arrested, and claimed the city was “deeply embedded with racism”.

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.

What did John Minto think of the Springbok tour?

When John Minto visited Invercargill during the 1981 Springbok tour, he clashed with police during protest action, got a gash on his head, was arrested, and claimed the city was “deeply embedded with racism”.