Winston Peters hints at ‘good news’ for embattled Super Rugby Pacific team Moana Pasifika

Wednesday, 27 May 2026

Speaking to reporters, Winston Peters teased 'good news later on' for Moana Pasifika, before taking a swipe at management issues facing New Zealand Rugby.

Winston Peters hints at 'good news' for struggling Moana Pasifika after liquidator Stephen White was appointed following shareholder vote to wind up franchise.

Moana Pasifika announced in April they would disband after 2026 season unless new investors found, citing financial sustainability concerns throughout their existence.

The Super Rugby Pacific club sits bottom of competition table, 16 points behind, and remains winless since opening round.

Winston Peters has fuelled speculation that Moana Pasifika could be saved and hinted at “good news” welcomed by outgoing coach Tana Umaga.

Stephen White of Teneo Financial Advisory was appointed liquidator on Monday after shareholders voted to wind up the embattled Super Rugby Pacific franchise.

The team confirmed in April that it would disband at the end of the 2026 campaign after five years of Super Rugby, unless new investors could be found.

Asked at Parliament on Tuesday whether he wanted to comment on Moana’s plight, Peters said he did, “but you have to wait.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs said Moana Pasifika, winless since the opening round, had endured “difficult times” but insisted the club had a “great future”.

“Of course I’d love to see them carry on,” Peters said said.

Asked if the Government would step in to help, he said no before referring to deputy New Zealand First leader Shane Jones, who added “there's an appointed time when all will be revealed”.

Umaga said Peters had reinforced something positive for Moana’s future.

“There's some positives, some good people, just saying some positive things, and that just adds to the hope,” Umaga said.

Umaga, who was speaking at Moana’s base at North Harbour Stadium on Wednesday, confirmed New Zealand Rugby were helping them out financially for their final days ahead of the last match of the season against the Brumbies on Canberra on Saturday.

“It's obviously disappointing the way it's finished, and I think more so in terms of the movement that we've had going for a while now and the amount of people that have [put] the effort in,” Umaga added.

“There is disappointment, but I think we've gone past that stage now. We're just looking forward to getting out and playing well in our last game.”

Umaga will be joining Dave Rennie’s All Blacks as an assistant when Moana’s campaign ends.

Concerns over Moana’s financial sustainability have followed them throughout their existence.

They languish 16 points adrift at the bottom of the competition table and have struggled to attract crowds without a permanent home.

Unless a new owner is found to buy the licence, Moana will play their last match on Saturday and Super Rugby will shrink to 10 teams next year.

When Moana chair Dr Kiki Maoate announced in April that the franchise would be disbanded, he said it was “one of the hardest decisions we have ever made”.

“We are immensely proud of our players, staff, and the community who have supported our team over the years,” Maoate said in a statement at the time.

“Across our rugby, pathways and community programmes, we have been able to support a growing hub of Pacific talent across multiple sporting codes, both locally and in the Pacific region. This is something we are extremely proud of and will continue to support and advocate for as best we can.

“Our commitment now is to ensure a smooth transition for everyone affected and to celebrate our legacy by finishing the season strong.”

Moana Pasifika is searching for new owners, but success is not as simple as finding a rich lister with deep pockets. The Aotearoa Rugby Pod discusses how big money comes with caveats.

While it’s understood a number of players have been scouted for other teams, and it has been reported that impressive loose forward Miracle Fai’ilagi may join a club in Japan, Moana Pasifika’s exit will have massive ramifications for many other employees.

Granted a licence in 2021, Moana Pasifika were added to Super Rugby in 2022 and initially had financial support from the New Zealand Government and World Rugby, but that backing dried up.

They were established and owned by the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust, with the intention of offering career pathways for Pasifika people.

The team was also hopeful of attracting some of the best Pacific players from around the world.

In April, New Zealand Rugby said they were “saddened” by Moana’s predicament but it later made it clear it would not throw the franchise a financial lifeline.

“Our immediate thoughts are with the players and their families, management, and fans,” NZ Rugby’s statement read in April.

“Moana Pasifika has confirmed to NZR that it will continue to compete through to the conclusion of the current season. We know that they will give everything on the field to continue to inspire their communities.

NZR remains supportive of Moana Pasifika’s vision to create pathways from the Pacific and is saddened by the challenges the club faces.

“We are aware there may be parties exploring financially viable and sustainable plans for the future of the team. NZR is open to engaging with those parties to discuss the club’s continued participation in Super Rugby Pacific.”