1981 Springbok rugby tour

The 1981 Springbok rugby tour divided the country and inspired widespread protests. The day the Springboks came to play against the Waikato became one of the most violent days in Kirikiriroa/Hamilton’s modern history. 

In the 1980s, rugby was still a strong part of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s identity and South Africa was one of our most formidable opponents. Due to South Africa’s policy of apartheid, international sporting contact was strongly discouraged. Public opinion was split on whether the government should allow them to come play. From the moment they landed in Auckland, they were met with fierce opposition. Protests and public demonstrations often overshadowed the games. The first match was in Gisborne and was meet with a large crowd of protestors, leaving the police surprised at their intensity. The next game was scheduled 3 days later in Hamilton at Rugby Park.  

Thousands of protestors arrived in Hamilton on the morning of the game, many of them determined to storm the field. Police throughout the country were sent to Hamilton that day but they were no match for those determined to stop the game. Using just their bare hands, protestors tore down the fence and hundreds ran onto the middle of the field. They refused to leave unless the match was cancelled. Without using brunt force, the police couldn’t remove them. The police were then warned of a potential suicidal pilot making his way to the park. It was decided they had to cancel the game.  

Most people have heard about the cancellation of the game, but few know of what happened in Hamilton afterwards. Protestors were targeted and hunted by rugby fans. Homes were vandalised and invaded. Rugby fans spent the night driving around the streets of Hamilton attacking any protestors they could find. Kirikiriroa/Hamilton changed that day. Lines were drawn and the community was divided.