Winston Peters: Moana Pasifika can still be saved as new backers show interest in club

The future of Moana Pasifika may not be as bleak as some fear with New Zealand's Foreign Minister revealing new potential supporters have come forward as efforts continue to keep the Super Rugby club alive.

Speaking with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters said there was still a pathway to build a sustainable future for the Pacific franchise, which represents Sāmoa, Tonga and Pacific communities across New Zealand.

"I thought it'd be disastrous to let this team go," he said. Peters also ruled out any direct government bailout, saying the focus is on building a sustainable business model rather than state funding support.

His intervention comes after Moana Pasifika's owners announced in April that the club would not return next season due to financial constraints.

A month later, the franchise was placed into liquidation, raising fears that Pacific rugby's flagship Super Rugby team could disappear altogether.

Peters made the comments after a visit to Sāmoa last week where the future of Moana Pasifika featured in discussions about the team's long-term survival and its importance to Pacific communities.

Peters dismissed criticism of discussions involving government support, saying too many people had rushed to judgement before understanding what was actually being considered.

"The usual people that jump to conclusions before even examining the facts were out there shouting, what is Winston Peters doing this and why is he offering this sort of money?"

Instead, Peters said the focus was on finding a business model that could stand on its own feet.

Launched in 2022, Moana Pasifika was created to provide a professional pathway for players of Pacific heritage across Sāmoa, Tonga and the wider Pacific region. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

"I think there's every chance for a business proposition that can last significantly. And we're talking about for the next four years."

He also revealed that interest from potential supporters had grown since the issue entered the public spotlight.

Peters said discussions were continuing behind the scenes and revealed that prospective backers had already started coming forward following public debate over the franchise's future.

"Funny enough, out of that field have come a lot of people coming to me personally now saying, well, actually, we would like to be in."

Interest in rescuing the club appears to be growing. Kanaloa Rugby, a Pacific-led consortium backed by the rugby unions of Sāmoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue, has publicly declared its intention to take over the licence.

Separate reports have also linked a US-based Pasifika tech multimillionaire to a potential bid for the struggling franchise.

Moana Pasifika fans show their support as uncertainty continues over the future of the Super Rugby franchise following its recent liquidation and ongoing efforts to secure new backers. Photo/Photosport

Peters said Moana Pasifika's importance goes far beyond rugby results.

The team, which ended the 2026 season at the bottom of the table, had recorded a memorable win over the Brumbies.

Peters says the team remain a powerful symbol of Pacific representation in professional sport. "It is significant for Tonga and Sāmoa in a big way," he told Terite.

Former Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea says he is still hopeful the franchise can be saved, despite its recent liquidation.

Speaking to Japanese media after helping Kobe Steelers win the Japan Rugby League One title last weekend, Savea said the team remained close to his heart amid ongoing uncertainty.

“I’ve still got faith; if there’s 1 percent chance of survival, that’s all we need,” he said. “I’m hoping and praying there’s a Moana next year. I’m hoping and praying the boys are OK.”

Former Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea celebrates the side's win over the Blues in Auckland in May 2025: Last weekend, Savea said he is still hoping the franchise survives despite its recent liquidation, saying even a “one per cent chance” is enough. Photo/Photosport

Savea also praised the commitment of players still turning out for the side during a difficult period.

“As you can see for them to turn up every Saturday under these circumstances the last few weeks, it’s a testament to the characters who are in that team.”

Moana Pasifika coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga says the team’s shock win over the Brumbies came during one of the most difficult weeks in the club’s short history as uncertainty continues around its future.

Umaga said the players were aware of the challenges off the field but stayed focused on what the team represents.

“With all that had happened during the week, in terms of Moana going into liquidation, we knew we wouldn’t see a lot of our group that we left behind,” he told Stan Sport after the game in Canberra.

“We talked a lot about our strong purpose of who we represent. We’re representing our culture, our people, and we saw that come through in the end.”

Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga says the team’s shock win over the Brumbies came during a difficult week for the club, with uncertainty still hanging over its future. Photo/PMN News/Candice Ama

He said the emotion surrounding recent months made the victory stand out even more.

“In all the emotion of the last few months, today, I couldn’t tell you what happened in those other games… I can tell you what happened today, and I’m very proud of it. This one stands out.”

Established in 2022, Moana Pasifika was created to give players of Pacific heritage a pathway into professional rugby while strengthening the connection between Super Rugby and Pasifika communities across Aotearoa, Sāmoa, Tonga and the wider region.

While rejecting suggestions of a taxpayer-funded bailout, Peters said there was still strong determination to find a workable solution.

"We're not giving up until we've given it our darn 120 per cent best shot."

Moana Pasifika celebrate their 21-19 upset victory over the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on 30 May, a result coach Tana Umaga says reflected the team’s strong sense of purpose. Photo/Facebook/Moana Pasifika

He also pointed to Australia's support for a Papua New Guinea team in the NRL as an example of governments recognising the wider value of sport in the Pacific.

Peters says losing Moana Pasifika would mean losing more than a rugby team.

"We've got to make sure that it stands up because it'd be a terrible pity for Tonga, Sāmoa not to be in this business."

Peters said the debate around Moana Pasifika also highlighted wider issues facing Pacific sport including the lack of major sporting infrastructure in some island nations.

Watch Winston Peters' full interview below.