The 1981 Springbok tour - NCEA Level 1 history activities

International relations: New Zealand's search for security 1945–85

Case study: sporting ties with South Africa: the 1981 Springbok tour

Related link on NZHistory.net.nz

1981 Springbok tour

Topics include:

• the background to competition between the All Blacks and Springboks
• how and why this became a political issue in New Zealand as well as an international dispute, involving the Commonwealth's Gleneagles Agreement
• the reasons the 1981 tour proceeded
• the impact of this tour on New Zealand society.

The tumultuous events of the winter of 1981 and the broader issue of sporting contact with South Africa are integral parts of the popular NCEA Level 1 topic 'New Zealand's search for security 1945–85'.

This feature provides students with a context to explore New Zealand's sporting ties with South Africa as well as prepare for:

• Achievement standard 1.5: Describe the causes and course of the decision about the Springbok tour and the consequences of this decision.
• Achievement standard 1.6: The 1981 Springbok tour had a significant impact on the shaping of the identity of New Zealanders.
• Achievement standard 1.3: There are numerous excellent historical sources relating to this event that can be used as practice for final assessment.

A range of activities to support this study can be found in the navigation to the immediate right.