Springbok rugby tour protest in Nelson

item details

NameSpringbok rugby tour protest in Nelson

ProductionAllan Cumming; photographer; 22 August 1981; New Zealand

Classificationgelatin silver prints, black-and-white prints

Materialssilver, photographic gelatin, photographic paper

Materials SummaryBlack and white photograph, gelatin silver print

Techniquesblack-and-white photography

DimensionsOverall: 241mm (width), 304mm (height)

Registration NumberO.050888

Credit lineGift of Allan Cumming, 2021

Overview

This photograph shows a protester being dragged by police in an atmosphere of smoke from a tuna bomb - a powerful firework used to stun fish. This scene took place outside the Springboks hotel in Nelson on the morning of 22 August 1981 when the South African Springbok rugby team played Nelson Bays during its tour of New Zealand.

The Springbok Rugby Tour of 1981 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. The elite police Red Squad were the most feared for their violent tactics, including unsanctioned use of their PR24 batons, which were not permitted to be used above the chest. Protesters wore helmets to protect themselves from batons and missiles thrown by rugby supporters.