When looking back at the events that occurred during the 1981 Springbok Tour Protests, it is clear that many New Zealanders were naive in their approach to racism. The tour saw an end to activism and a change in the way we New Zealanders treat authorities and view the law.Most Maoris now no linger live in rural areas but directly confront Pakehas in cities. The collapse of full employment, the emergence of new Maori political Movements and the resurgence of Maori culture, have forced racial issues in sharp focus in New Zealand.
As a country we have learnt that no matter how important a cause, building an entire campaign around one single issue that lacks key and effective links to root causes will be unsuccessful.
The South African Rugby Union made a formal apology in 2010 for their exclusion of Maori rugby players from New Zealand due to their policy of Apartheid. The NZRU who had prior stated that it was not the right time for apologies later followed suit.
There were great protests against the apartheid regime in South Africa, when we as a country ourselves were facing great racial issues that needed to be addressed. It is clear now that the tour was 'as much about a culture clash as it was about racism overseas'.