Leaders of the Tongan and Samoan communities have appealed for an end to the violent rivalry that has erupted between the opposing rugby league fans.
Four people were arrested after a street brawl in South Auckland on Wednesday night, ahead of the Rugby League World Cup clash in Hamilton on Saturday.
- More street battles between Tongan and Samoan league fans
- Ugly scenes in Auckland as Tongan and Samoan league fans clash
Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio and Minister for Ethnic Communities Jenny Salesa spoke to media at the FMG Stadium Waikato venue on Thursday.
Also present were Joseph Paulo of Toa Samoa, Sam Moa of Mate Ma'a Tonga, and former Kiwi and Samoan boxer David Tua.
Mr Sio condemned the brawls, saying it was the "silly antics" of a "few hooligans".
"We want to say to those people they've got to stop, stop embarrassing themselves, stop bringing shame to themselves and to the good names of their families."
Ms Salesa appealed for Tongan and Samoan fans to find common ground and unite.
"The game is only 80 minutes. We're brothers and sisters from the Pacific, we will be brothers and sisters for life."
Mr Paulo echoed Ms Salesa's calls for cultural unity, saying he and his rival sportsmen were "brothers off the field".
"There's a special bond between the Pacific Islanders, and that's something we want to share and celebrate on Saturday night. Keep being loud, but maintain the peace and keep loving each other."
Mr Moa said fans' violent behaviour "doesn't make us want to play".
"The health of our family and our kids is paramount. We just ask that the communities join together, and show a bit of the love and the passion that's got us through all these years.
"Hopefully, it can be a peaceful game. Obviously, it's not going to be nice on the field - we'll be going hard at it.
"Just keep the peace off it. The game's hard enough to play as it is."
Mr Sio said, if fans wanted to show support for their team, they should buy tickets for the game and celebrate "in a very positive way".
"I've got a busload of Samoans leaving Mangere at 3 o'clock tomorrow and then we're going to be picking up Tongans out at Pukekohe, all coming together for this game.
"We're looking forward to it and we want to enjoy it, and everybody should be enjoying it."
He said, if any parents suspect their children have been involved in the fights, they should let the police know.
Ms Salesa said whether Tonga or Samoa win Saturday's game, "we will support the team".
"We're just appealing to all of our community leaders, all of our parents, our caregivers and for everyone just to be safe... to respect each other, be respectful of each other and make sure that no one gets harmed."
Mr Tua also had a message for league fans who have participated in the fights.
"If you believe you have what it takes to be a fighter, please call me. I'm very easy to find, I'm in Onehunga.
"Get in the ring and make something beautiful of yourself. Don't take it out on the streets."
Newshub.
