Story: Public protest

When Māori players were banned from the 1960 All Black tour of South Africa due to that country’s racial-segregation laws, a New Zealand campaign was launched to stop the tour. Protest meetings were held around the country, including this Wellington one organised by the Citizens’ All Black Tour Association. Speakers included the renowned former All Black George Nēpia. The tour went ahead, but it was the last one from which Māori were excluded. From 1970, Māori team members were invited to play as ‘honorary whites’.