WAR IS NOT MY VOICE
NO BLOOD FOR OIL
I BLINDLY FOLLOW THE NEWS
I AM A SHEEP
Bringing with it one of the most turbulent and troublesome times in New Zealand’s relatively short history, the 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand carried with it the national issues of South Africa, namely Apartheid right on to New Zealand’s doorstep.
For almost two months the long standing affects of Apartheid terrorised New Zealand and polarised the nation. The tour was labelled the largest civil disturbance New Zealand had seen since the 1951 Waterfront dispute exactly 30 years prior. More than 150,000 people took to the streets protesting the actions in South Africa and the racially charged segregation that it had brought to New Zealand and the tour. Over 200 demonstrations across 28 different centres took place with over 1500 charged with offences as a result of the anti-tour protest action, and resulting conflicts with pro tour supporters.
The influence of race relations in South Africa had significant social, economic and political effects in New Zealand. The tour caused a split in the more recently developed nation of New Zealand, only formed in 1840, where everyone had an opinion, either for or against the tour. This saw many people focussing on the events that were occurring in South Africa and large anti-Apartheid groups were created in New Zealand because of this. Many people view this as the moment where New Zealand lost its innocence, as the events that occurred in New Zealand were internationally published and criticised around the world.
NO BLOOD FOR OIL
I BLINDLY FOLLOW THE NEWS
I AM A SHEEP
Bringing with it one of the most turbulent and troublesome times in New Zealand’s relatively short history, the 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand carried with it the national issues of South Africa, namely Apartheid right on to New Zealand’s doorstep.
For almost two months the long standing affects of Apartheid terrorised New Zealand and polarised the nation. The tour was labelled the largest civil disturbance New Zealand had seen since the 1951 Waterfront dispute exactly 30 years prior. More than 150,000 people took to the streets protesting the actions in South Africa and the racially charged segregation that it had brought to New Zealand and the tour. Over 200 demonstrations across 28 different centres took place with over 1500 charged with offences as a result of the anti-tour protest action, and resulting conflicts with pro tour supporters.
The influence of race relations in South Africa had significant social, economic and political effects in New Zealand. The tour caused a split in the more recently developed nation of New Zealand, only formed in 1840, where everyone had an opinion, either for or against the tour. This saw many people focussing on the events that were occurring in South Africa and large anti-Apartheid groups were created in New Zealand because of this. Many people view this as the moment where New Zealand lost its innocence, as the events that occurred in New Zealand were internationally published and criticised around the world.