Foreign affairs minister Winston Peters.
Photo: RNZ / Louis Dunham
The foreign affairs minister has told Pacific leaders New Zealand is exploring all possible options for a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika.
Winston Peters said the government had instructed officials to work with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders to explore options to keep the club going.
The Super Rugby franchise was placed into liquidation last week, and played what could be their final game on Saturday.
The 21-19 win against the Brumbies saw the beleagured club end on a high.
The franchise’s debts include a $2.75 million loan from the government, through Crown entity Sport NZ. Sport and recreation minister Mark Mitchell has said the government is seeking advice on how to recover the loan.
Miracle Faiilagi of Moana Pasifika in action during the round 16 Super Rugby match between ACT Brumbies and Moana Pasifika at GIO Stadium.
Photo: Mark Nolan/Getty Images
Meanwhile, Peters has been teasing there would be “good news” coming for the franchise’s future.
Peters has been in Samoa over the long weekend to attend Independence Day celebrations, while also holding bilateral meetings with Samoan prime minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, Tongan prime minister Lord Fakafanua, and Ulu-o-Tokelau Faipule Alapati Tavite.
He said Moana Pasifika was a topic of discussion in Apia, and the franchise’s future was important to the governments and people of Samoa and Tonga, as well as New Zealand’s Pacific communities and rugby fans.
“It would be a seriously regrettable if Moana Pasifika were unable to take part in future Super Rugby seasons and we want to make sure every option is explored to try to find a sound business proposition and sustainable economic footing for the team,” Peters said.
He told both La’aulialemalietoa and Lord Fakafanua that New Zealand shared Samoa and Tonga’s “aspirations” that Moana Pasifika could continue to play in future Super Rugby seasons.
“Accordingly, we have instructed our officials to engage with NZ Rugby and other stakeholders with urgency to explore all possible options for a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika.”
Peters said the leaders also discussed the conflict in the Middle East, and the effects of the fuel crisis in the Pacific.
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