Sawt Falasteen - New Zealand government in talks to save rugby's Moana Pasifika

Foreign affairs minister Winston Peters said he had instructed officials to begin talks with New Zealand Rugby regarding Moana's future.

The Auckland-based team was established in 2020 to provide a top-level pathway for players of Pacific heritage.

Owners Pasifika Medical Association said in April they would cease funding the team at the end of the season after failing to create a sustainable commercial enterprise.

Moana played their final match of the Super Rugby season against ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday, winning 21-19.

Other parties have been reported as interested in acquiring the licence, but nothing concrete has been put forward.

Peters met Samoan Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Schmidt and Tongan Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua during Samoan Independence Day commemorations on Sunday.

He said Moana Pasifika had been a key topic of discussion.

"Rugby is a huge part of New Zealand and Polynesian culture and Moana Pasifika's future is important to the governments and people of Samoa and Tonga, as well as to New Zealand's Pacific communities and rugby fans," Peters said.

"It would be seriously regrettable if Moana Pasifika were unable to take part in future Super Rugby seasons.

"We want to make sure every option is explored to try to find a sound business proposition and sustainable economic footing for the team.

"We indicated to (the prime ministers) that New Zealand shares Samoa and Tonga's aspiration that Moana Pasifika can continue to play in future seasons.

"Accordingly, we have instructed our officials to engage with New Zealand Rugby and other stakeholders with urgency to explore all possible options for a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika."

It costs more than US$5.9 million a year to run Moana Pasifika.

If the club folds, New Zealand sports minister Mark Mitchell said the government would need advice on how to recoup a US$1.6m loan.

"Obviously they're in liquidation. We are on the list of creditors," said Mitchell last week.

"Naturally it's a concern because it's taxpayers' money."

Z.AbuSaud--SF-PST