Dr Kiki Maoate: Pasifika Medical Association hits back at claims of misuse of public funds

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has rejected claims that public funds were inappropriately used to support the professional rugby franchise Moana Pasifika

PMA Chair Dr Kiki Maoate says no government money has been spent on the Super Rugby Pacific team.

"We strongly reject any claim that public funds have been used in an inappropriate manner," he says.

In a written statement, Maoate clarifies that Moana Pasifika formally became part of the PMA Group on 1 July 2024, under the newly-established Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust, which oversees both the professional rugby team and a separate Moana Pasifika Community Sports Programme.

“In 2021, a small amount of funding was provided to the Pacific Business Trust to support the development of a business case for the establishment of the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust.

“This was consistent with broader support for Pacific-owned and delivered initiatives under the economic domain of Pasifika Futures. Since that time, any public or Whānau Ora funding has been directed solely to the Moana Pasifika Community Sports Programme.

“No public funding has been used to support the professional rugby team,” he says.

The Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust holds a Super Rugby franchise licence issued by NZ Rugby.

The professional rugby team operates independently of public funding. The team is funded through commercial rugby revenue streams, including: NZ Rugby, World Rugby, and Broadcast revenue (e.g. Sky).

Moana Pasifika finished their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season in seventh place. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

“Since the franchise was brought in-house, PMA has also provided internal financial support," Maoate says. “None of this support has come from Whānau Ora or other public funding sources.

"PMA generates its own income and is not reliant solely on government funding. It has built significant equity over 28 years, including savings and a property portfolio. This financial strength has enabled it to support the franchise without drawing on public money,” Maoate says.

Earlier this week, the NZ Herald reported that the link between Whānau Ora funds, as part of a contract that PMA ran, and a professional rugby team is "quietly contentious, especially among Pasifika health service providers". Although none would speak to the Herald for attribution.

Several of the health service providers feared burning bridges and rocking the boat in the close-knit world of Pasifika-related services and funding, the Herald reported.

Maoate says Moana Pasifika have always been more than a rugby team. The club was established as a movement or platform for social good and long-term transformation for Pacific people.

He says this founding purpose made Moana Pasifika a natural fit for PMA, and that the organisation had since invested in building the team's community impact and capabilities without using public funds.

"Sport and physical activity were identified as priority areas for investment linked to improved health outcomes, youth development and long-term wellbeing."

Maoate cited research showing a $12 return for every $1 invested in community sport, through better health, education and employment outcomes.

Since joining PMA, Moana Pasifika has expanded its community work, including programmes in rowing, netball, tennis, youth wellbeing, and women's leadership. Its Community Sports Programme now operates in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

"Moana Pasifika’s reach extends well beyond the field," Maoate says. "It’s a celebration of identity, resilience and potential. Sport has long been a wave that carries Pasifika people forward - into education, enterprise, leadership and service.

"We welcome scrutiny - but it must be informed, balanced and grounded in fact. We stand by the integrity of our decisions, the strength of our governance and the value of our work across Aotearoa."