We can cheer loud for Toa Sāmoa, but just don’t boo the haka

While it’s another chapter closed on what was a historic Pacific Championships campaign, a key talking point from the series was, yeah, you guessed it, the booing of the haka.

Chances are you’ve already seen or heard about it, but if not, punch “Haka” into TikTok and you’ll get the picture.

Finally weighing in on the matter, my take was simple: not okay.

The first instance came in round one at Go Media Stadium, when many Sāmoan fans joined in booing the Kiwis’ Haka. After that narrow defeat, you’d think supporters would have learned their lesson and shown more respect in Sunday’s final at Commbank Stadium. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

There’s been no shortage of online debate, with some public figures calling the booing “banter” or a display of passionate camaraderie. From where I stand, though, fa’aaloalo (respect) was missing among many Sāmoan fans on both occasions.

As a Pacific Island nation that prides itself on integrity, with values teaching us to tautala ma le fa’aaloalo (speak with respect), this behaviour goes against the grain of our morality.

Toa Sāmoa player Jarome Luai celebrating a try. Photo/NRL

Call me a Karen if you like, that’s okay. But as a proud Kiwi-born Sāmoan, I believe this act is a reminder of how we should represent ourselves, and if we pride ourselves on respect, we need to act like it.

Take Tonga vs Kiwis in round two, a perfect example. Not a single sound of outrage greeted the Kiwis’ Haka at Eden Park. That’s how you do it.

Now, I’m not saying it was all Sāmoans, because of course it wasn’t. But I use “we” because they are my people, our people, and connection is an integral part of who we are. So, to those who didn’t boo, tulou for just one moment!

James Fisher-Harris leading the haka. Photo/Brett Phibbs/Photosport.

It shouldn’t be normal to expect booing, which is how I felt before Sunday’s final and unfortunately, my conscience was correct.

But common sense should tell you when to have fun and when to malolo (relax), and this was one of those times.

For those taking to the internet saying, “that’s why you guys lost because you booed the Haka,” here’s another point of reflection: it probably fired up the Kiwis even more.

James Fisher-Harris is a stoic figure who leads with his actions. He may not say much, but his body language speaks 1000 words. As an athlete or anyone facing the odds stacked against them, perceived disrespect only fuels the hunger to avenge.

And when he led the haka for his side against the noise, you could just see and feel the mana building, ready to be unleashed.

While it’s a huge congratulations to the Kiwis for a well-deserved series, there was so much to celebrate beyond the field for our people, the pride, gathering at sports cafés to watch the game, and celebrating whether it was a win or a loss. That’s the real gold.

The tears streaming from players like Brian To’o and Jarome Luai show what it means. They feel the pride as players, and we should carry that same pride as fans.

Who knows if things might have been different if Sāmoans had shown the same respect Kiwis’ supporters did. But what I do know is this: something my mother has always taught me - be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

So you can celebrate in style and show all the love for your country, but please, just don’t boo the haka. I’m not so sure 685 fans back home would be pleased if the shoe were on the other foot.