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Overview
This handbook of information was given to former police officer Steve Mitchell who travelled with his contingent to work during the controversial Springbok rugby tour of New Zealand which took place from July to September 1981. They stayed at the Police College in Porirua, and worked on the day of the Springboks vs All Blacks game at Athletic Park, Wellington, on 29 August 1981.
The booklet details accommodation and amenities available to police officers staying at the Police College between 25-30 August 1981, as well as leisure activities in Wellington, with an introduction from the Deputy Assistant Commissioner / District Commander:
"I welcome you to the Capital of Wellington stage of 'Operation Rugby'. We cannot expect that the duties you will perform will be appreciated by all members of the community; you can be assured, however, that if you act in an impartial and professional manner, you will receive the support, not only of your fellow members, but also of the majority of the public we serve."
The Springbok tour was a seminal event in New Zealand's political and social history - exposing deep rifts in society. Many New Zealanders objected to the tour because of South Africa's policy of racial apartheid, and many questioned racism at home. Protests caused obstruction and the cancellation of games, and violence escalated between protesters, supporters and police during the tour.
Steve Mitchell was one of thousands of regular police who were mobilised around New Zealand for Operation Rugby (the police code name for the tour), demonstrating the government’s huge commitment to ensuring the tour proceeded.