Springbok Tour (Press, 10 September 1981)

In a series of letters to the editor published in "The Press" on 10 September 1981, various writers reacted to the ongoing protests surrounding the Springbok rugby tour of New Zealand, which was a highly contentious issue at the time due to South Africa's apartheid policies. V. H. Anderson expressed concern about the involvement of various groups, including clergy, in protests that he perceived as disconnected from the cause of advocating for gay rights and social justice. He questioned whether church leaders should support such demonstrations and suggested they should reconsider their affiliations with protest movements instead of local sports clubs. In response to Anderson, R. Miedema argued that patriotic pride should extend to countering apartheid rather than ignoring international issues. He commended the police up to a point, but he criticized their provocation of violence and the need for peaceful demonstrators, including clergy, to wear protective gear, highlighting the paradox of needing safety while opposing oppression. Les Bogren entered the fray by suggesting that the protesters were attempting to impose their will on the majority, noting that they had been outnumbered at matches by those wanting to watch the games. He claimed the police's reluctance to facilitate access for protesters was itself provocative and ridiculed the notion of self-sacrifice for the cause, recalling a protestor's comment about a child dying for the movement with parental consent. Robin Mitchell discussed allegations regarding the anti-tour movement inviting the notorious Mongrel Mob gang to protests, defending the gang's behaviour as peaceful during previous demonstrations. He insisted that if racial incitement accusations were to be made, they should be aimed at the Rugby Union instead. Lastly, K. H. R. Baronian reflected on the Government's previous stance concerning New Zealand athletes attending the Moscow Olympic Games, insisting that the same standards apply to the rugby union regarding their participation in the Springbok tour under the Gleneagles Agreement, which condemned sporting contact with apartheid South Africa. Baronian hoped that media coverage of the protests would communicate to the world that many New Zealanders opposed their government’s handling of the tour. Overall, the letters highlight a deeply divided public sentiment regarding the protests, issues of national identity, and the role of civil action in opposing racial injustice during a tumultuous period in New Zealand's history.

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