The 1981 Springbok Tour raised consciousness about racism in New Zealand. Those that protested against apartheid in 1981 began to see that racism was not just overseas: it was in New Zealand itself. New Zealand had always put forth the appearance of having perfect race relations, having citizens that got along no matter what race they were. This was true to an extent, because New Zealand was much less racist than many other countries like South Africa, but it was not as true as many New Zealanders would have liked to have believed.
Groups like CARE also supported the return of Maori land by the government before and after the tour, and the number of Maori treaty claims being settled has skyrocketed since the 1980s. New Zealand society has grown more equal. Extra effort is put in to make sure than Maori and Pacifica students leave high school with qualifications; scholarships are offered for tertiary education. The Maori language is being ‘reintroduced’ to schools and young children, both Maori and Pakeha, and youth are learning about the importance of their cultural heritage.
The Springbok Tour may have not directly caused these factors, but it was at least partly responsible for many New Zealanders rethinking the issue of racism in New Zealand. Once people realized what they could do about apartheid overseas, many began to turn their attention back to New Zealand as well. The Springbok Tour in 1981 was of great significance to New Zealand in this respect.
Groups like CARE also supported the return of Maori land by the government before and after the tour, and the number of Maori treaty claims being settled has skyrocketed since the 1980s. New Zealand society has grown more equal. Extra effort is put in to make sure than Maori and Pacifica students leave high school with qualifications; scholarships are offered for tertiary education. The Maori language is being ‘reintroduced’ to schools and young children, both Maori and Pakeha, and youth are learning about the importance of their cultural heritage.
The Springbok Tour may have not directly caused these factors, but it was at least partly responsible for many New Zealanders rethinking the issue of racism in New Zealand. Once people realized what they could do about apartheid overseas, many began to turn their attention back to New Zealand as well. The Springbok Tour in 1981 was of great significance to New Zealand in this respect.