The violent clashes in South Auckland this week between young men waving Samoan and Tongan flags are surprising and unwelcome.
Tensions were stirred on social media with images of a Tongan supporter burning a Samoan flag ahead of tonight's rugby league clash in Hamilton between the rival nations.
What appeared to start as relatively peaceful and good natured gatherings unfortunately descended into street brawls and assaults.
The city has not seen disorder on the scale which erupted in Otahuhu and Otara these past few days for many years. The presence of sticks, poles and a machete lends an urgency to bringing the discord under control.
It has been reassuring to see leading community figures, including senior police officers and government ministers, urging calm and appealing for an end to the unruly behaviour which fortunately does not appear to have resulted in any serious injuries.