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Peters Laments Missed Chance for Overseas Funding to Save Moana Pasifika
🇳🇿 New Zealand /Sports

Peters Laments Missed Chance for Overseas Funding to Save Moana Pasifika

From NZ Herald · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed disappointment at not having more time to seek international funding for the Moana Pasifika rugby franchise.
  • New Zealand Rugby rejected a joint bid from the Samoan and Tongan governments to save the Super Rugby team.
  • Peters believes that securing financial support from nations like Japan and France could have prevented the franchise's demise.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters lamented that he was not given sufficient time to secure overseas funding to save the Moana Pasifika rugby franchise. New Zealand Rugby confirmed on June 24, 2026, that it had rejected a joint bid from the Samoan and Tongan governments aimed at keeping the Super Rugby team afloat.

Peters stated that he needed more time to lobby other nations for financial assistance. He specifically mentioned Japan and France as potential sources of funding that he wished he had the opportunity to approach before the franchise's fate was sealed.

The rejection of the bid by the Samoan and Tongan governments marks a significant blow to the future of the team, which has been a symbol of Pasifika representation in the Super Rugby competition. The franchise's demise raises questions about the sustainability of Pacific Island-focused teams in elite rugby competitions.

I needed more time to seek overseas help to save Moana Pasifika.

— Winston PetersThe Foreign Minister expressed his regret about the limited time available to secure funding.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NZ Herald in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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