Pasifika Medical Association welcomes Moana Pasifika to the PMA family

A major Pacific health organisation and the Super Rugby franchise Moana Pasifika have signed a landmark, long-term sponsorship deal.

Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG) is the new major sponsor for Moana Pasifika, and PMA chief executive officer Debbie Sorensen says the partnership will benefit both parties.

The PMA Group is the shareholder and owner of the Pasifika Medical Association Membership, Pasifika Futures Ltd, and Etu Pasifika Ltd. The group is renowned for its services to Pacific regional health and communities.

“What we discovered was that the aims and vision we have (PMA) is exactly the same as Moana Pasifika,” Sorensen said.

“We talk about prosperity for our families, our children living longer than anyone else in the world, we recognise sporting pathways are a huge part of that.

“We’ve had a sporting strategy inside the PMA for the last three years, and I think we’ve been incredibly privileged in this journey and help along the next however many years to get us as strong as we can go.

“We understand we bring some experience, some size to the organisation, and some leverage, but most of all we bring a great respect for the passion and vision that has gone before us.”

Moana Pasifika packing a scrum in Tonga.

New Zealand Rugby’s chairperson Dame Patsy Reddy said the NZR was “encouraged” by this collaboration between the two organisations.

“We are encouraged by the strong strategic alignment and shared aspirations between Pasifika Medical Association and Moana Pasifika to foster Pacific excellence in sports at an elite level,” Reddy said.

“NZR looks forward to the growth of the Moana Pasifika Franchise through their close connections with Samoa, Tonga, and the wider Pacific communities.”

All Black legend and Moana Pasifika patron Sir Tuifa’asisina Bryan Williams welcomed the collaboration saying, “This partnership ensures that the vision and hard work previously undertaken by the board, stakeholders, and collaborators will continue to flourish and grow, providing a secure platform for the next stage of our journey.”

It is not unusual for a primary health organisation to support a sports franchise, as Sorensen says the American NFL franchise Green Bay Packers are owned by a health organisation.

“If we use the model of the Green Bay Packers, the NFL franchise - they use the franchise to subside their social, education, and health programmes. They are owned by a primary health organisation just like us.

“So as we were thinking about what were the best practice models, we were able to lean on the advice and expertise of the CEO from the Green Bay Packers and their experience doing exactly what we’re talking about.”

The partnership will mean PMA will support Moana Pasifika in communications, events management, and a facility for the team’s events.

Sorensen said the partnership would also support Moana Pasifika through the sport’s current tough times.

“People understand rugby is a pretty tough gig at the moment. Viewers, attendance at games, those sorts of things. I think that rugby in Australia and New Zealand is going through a tight period,” she said.

“But we’re very confident it will get better, so part of what we bring is that confidence we can go through the ups and downs.”

Moana Pasifika ended the 2024 Super Rugby season in 11th place, ahead of the New South Wales Waratahs.