New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says efforts to secure a future for Moana Pasifika have not been abandoned, but no deal has emerged as the franchise approaches a critical deadline.
Peters – who as the Minister of Foreign Affairs has been involved in discussions with Pacific governments and other potential backers about the franchise’s future – said those involved in efforts to save Moana Pasifika had not given up.
“I have nothing new to report, if we don’t make it this year, we can still probably make it next year, that is the optimism we have, but sadly I can’t report anything new.”
Speaking on RNZ’s Checkpoint, Peters acknowledged the challenge of securing a solution within the limited timeframe available.
“We are still working on things and trying to get a clear understanding of what’s involved. It’s eleventh hour, 59th minute sort of stuff, we haven’t given up. I just wish we had three months to sort this and not three weeks.”
His comments suggest that while Moana Pasifika’s prospects for 2027 were fading, supporters of the franchise still believed a return in future seasons remained possible.
NZR had received expressions of interest from bidders who wanted to take over the license which include Kanaloa Consortium, a group that includes a number of former All Blacks with Pasifika heritage, after their initial attempt to get a Super Rugby Pacific license in 2020 was not successful.
There was also reports of a government buy-in plan that involves Samoa and Tonga.
“I have spoken to people offshore, the problem is the speed of requirement to make a decision when rugby has a set programme of announcements as to what the playing agenda will be next year,” Peters said.
