Teacher should cover the complex sporting relationship between South Africa and NZ. The discussion of sport and race and sport and politics. In particular the focus is on Rugby.
Learning intentions Students are learning to…
Focus: What were the issues in race relations 1960-1980?
- To understand New Zealand’s race relations in an international context.
- To explore diversity of perspective over social issues in NZ .
- To develop an awareness of how sport and race relations became an important test for NZ society and identity.
Success criteria (How do students know they have achieved success?)
I can…
- I can discuss the impact of sport on race relations.
- I can identify and explain different perspectives about sport and race.
- I can discuss in detail the effect the springbok tour had on NZ society.
Key Content to Cover
- Rugby’s place in NZ
- Ben Couch
- George Nepia
- 1959-60 ‘No Maoris no tour’
- 1970 tour of South Africa
- 1973 tour South African tour of NZ cancellation
- Montreal Olympics
- 1976 All Black tour of South Africa
- 1981 Springbok tour
- Protests & violence
Relevant Film Archive footage and Key Questions
DISC 1. RELATIONSHIPS (SPORT AND WAR)
A Hundred Years of All Black Rugby
An excerpt that looks at the development of Rugby in NZ. Has an interview with George Nepia.
Questions:
- How did sport cross racial barriers?
- What effect do you think this would have on race relations?
DVD 3. RACE RELATIONS 1960s-1970s. (Rugby and Race)
Protest 1960, Cinesound Review 1489
This is an Australian production. The protest was not deemed worthy coverage in NZ.
Look out for Lt. Col. Awatere marching in protest.
Use in Sport and race section to demonstrate growing political awareness.
Question:
- Why do you think Sport and race captured NZers imagination?
DVD 3. RACE RELATIONS 1960s-1970s. (Rugby and Race)
Ben Couch, 6.30 News, 1978
Minister of Native Affairs explains why sporting contacts improve the lot of non-whites. He later became the Minister of Police and was in charge during “The Goon Squad” and the tour.
Questions:
- What is Ben Couch’s argument?
- Do you think his ideas make sense? Why? Why not?
DVD 3. RACE RELATIONS 1960s-1970s. (Rugby and Race)
Patu, 1983
Look at radical Donna Awatere
Task:
Describe what you see.
During the argument at the beginning, what is the agitator’s perspective?
What happened to the Maori Battalion in Cape Town?
What is the debate on the Marae about? What are the different perspectives?
Watch the protest footage closely. What segments of society are represented? What does this tell us about the protest movement?
Note the drunk pro-tour man shouting “wankers”.
What is the perspective of the pro tour supporters?
What is the perspective of the anti-tour supporters?
Listen to the discussion about NZ’s similarity to South Africa. What do the first speakers say about Maori struggles in NZ?
Get students to discuss the protesters and the actions they took.
What do they think?
Is rugby just a game or does sporting contact mean something more?
Was the protest justified?
What about the pro-tour reaction?
Compare the three clips. Write a response. What are the issues within and outside of for New Zealand for New Zealander’s in relation to the tour??
Maybe discuss ideas of dormant and latent racism?
The viewing template could be helpful here.
