As a result of the 1981 springbok tour and the protests surrounding it, conscientiousness about race in New Zealand was formed. Those that took part in the anti-tour protests began to see that racism wasn't just occurring in South Africa or overseas, it was also happening in New Zealand. New Zealand had always almost portrayed the idea there was was no racism and that race relations were perfect in the country. In comparison New Zealand was a lot less racist than South Africa however it was not true that there wasn't any form of racism. Issues of discrimination and mi-treating of Maori started coming to light in New Zealand society. Being so caught up in the anti-Apartheid movement, New Zealanders forgot the importance of its own race relations. Maori activism increased and as a result in the 1984 Hikoi march and disruption at Waitangi day celebrations. Treaty of Waitangi negotiations emerged and the treaty was put under scrutiny as Maori Sought Justice.
The central argument surrounding the pro-tour movement was that sport and politics should not mix. The view was that Rugby was Rugby, a sport, and Apartheid was Apartheid, a form of racial segregation and they had nothing to do with each other so whys should it effect sport? However the Springbok tour highlighted the fact that sport and politics are indeed mixed and they will always play a role with each other.
Muldoon had a stern approach toward the tour saying the New Zealand government was not going to cancel or interfere with the 1981 tour, and he stuck to this as the tour was not cancelled. Despite this, the government were in control of the police forces throughout the duration of the tour, and gave them the authority to use violence on new Zealand citizens. Arguable this means the government were largely involved in the Springbok tour.
The results of the 1981 tour show that sports and politics will mix, and you ultimately can't stop it. It also displays how much the government is involved with a sport and how that can influence society, as shown by the 1981 tour. It was a wake up call for New Zealand society: and in sporting events since the 1981 Springbok tour, the Government has become a lot more involved. Government funded organisations are in place in today's society centered around national sport affecting the lives of many New Zealanders.
The 1981 Springbok tour is remembered in New Zealand society as a great period. It is remembered when the nation rose up for what they believed in and took action to achieve what they thought was right. Through inspiring groups that affect us in this day in age to admiring the braveness of the protesters putting their lives on the line, the Springbok tour protests are hugely significant in New Zealand's history.
The central argument surrounding the pro-tour movement was that sport and politics should not mix. The view was that Rugby was Rugby, a sport, and Apartheid was Apartheid, a form of racial segregation and they had nothing to do with each other so whys should it effect sport? However the Springbok tour highlighted the fact that sport and politics are indeed mixed and they will always play a role with each other.
Muldoon had a stern approach toward the tour saying the New Zealand government was not going to cancel or interfere with the 1981 tour, and he stuck to this as the tour was not cancelled. Despite this, the government were in control of the police forces throughout the duration of the tour, and gave them the authority to use violence on new Zealand citizens. Arguable this means the government were largely involved in the Springbok tour.
The results of the 1981 tour show that sports and politics will mix, and you ultimately can't stop it. It also displays how much the government is involved with a sport and how that can influence society, as shown by the 1981 tour. It was a wake up call for New Zealand society: and in sporting events since the 1981 Springbok tour, the Government has become a lot more involved. Government funded organisations are in place in today's society centered around national sport affecting the lives of many New Zealanders.
The 1981 Springbok tour is remembered in New Zealand society as a great period. It is remembered when the nation rose up for what they believed in and took action to achieve what they thought was right. Through inspiring groups that affect us in this day in age to admiring the braveness of the protesters putting their lives on the line, the Springbok tour protests are hugely significant in New Zealand's history.
Key Ideas:
Due to the Springbok tour protests many New Zealanders had gained a conscientiousness about race in New Zealand. People starting acknowledging that racism wasn't just occurring internationally and saw that there were forms of discrimination and racism in New Zealand towards Maori as a result Maori activism increased after 1981. The tour let us see that it's impossible to not mix sport and politics, but is also extremely significant to new Zealander's we can both learn from and be inspired by the actions that took place regarding the 1981 Springbok tour.