Statement From Dr Kiki Maoate ONZM, FRACS, Chair – Pasifika Medical Association Group
We strongly reject any claim that public funds have been used in an inappropriate manner.
Moana Pasifika became part of the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) on 1 July 2024. At that time, the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust was formally established to hold both the professional rugby team and the Moana Pasifika Community Sports Programme.
Moana Pasifika has always been more than a rugby team. From the outset, it was established as a platform for social good and long-term transformation for Pacific people. That founding purpose made it a natural strategic fit for PMA, which recognised the opportunity to strengthen and expand Moana Pasifika's reach. With that alignment of values and mission, PMA invested to optimise the organisation's positive impact, capability and connection to Pacific communities.
In 2021, a small amount of funding was provided to the Pacific Business Trust to support the development of a business case for the establishment of the Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust. This was consistent with broader support for Pacific-owned and delivered initiatives under the economic domain of Pasifika Futures.
Since that time, any public or Whānau Ora funding has been directed solely to the Moana Pasifika Community Sports Programme. No public funding has been used to support the professional rugby team.
The Moana Pasifika Charitable Trust holds a Super Rugby franchise licence issued by NZ Rugby. The professional rugby team operates independently of public funding. The team is funded through commercial rugby revenue streams, including:
NZ Rugby
World Rugby
Broadcast revenue (e.g. Sky)
Since the franchise was brought in-house, PMA has also provided internal financial support. None of this support has come from Whānau Ora or other public funding sources. PMA generates its own income and is not reliant solely on government funding. It has built significant equity over 28 years, including savings and a property portfolio. This financial strength has enabled it to support the franchise without drawing on public money.
Our investment decisions - including those relating to sport and youth development - are shaped by evidence and consultation. During the COVID-19 period, and again through formal consultations in 2024 involving Pacific families across multiple regions, sport and physical activity were identified as priority areas for investment linked to improved health outcomes, youth development and long-term wellbeing. The benefits of investing in community sport programmes are well documented - with a return of $12 for every $1 invested, through increased health, educational engagement and future employment outcomes.
Since joining PMA, Moana Pasifika has increased its focus on community impact - evolving from a professional sports team into a broader platform for sport, connection and social purpose. While its community ethos has always been present, this aspect has been deliberately strengthened and expanded under PMA's stewardship.
The Community Sports Programme was developed in response to community demand for greater investment in sport and youth wellbeing. It includes programmes across multiple codes such as rowing, netball and tennis, and initiatives supporting young men's wellbeing and young women's leadership in sport. The programme is now fully operational and financially sustainable.
Moana Pasifika's reach extends well beyond the field. Its Community Sports Programme delivers initiatives across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, including school outreach, grassroots sports development, mentoring and youth leadership. A core focus is reducing barriers to participation in sport and physical activity, with lasting wellbeing benefits for Pacific families and communities.
Moana Pasifika is a celebration of identity, resilience and potential. Sport has long been a wave that carries Pasifika people forward - into education, enterprise, leadership and service. As both a team and a movement, Moana Pasifika exists to lift up our people and strengthen our communities.
For 28 years, The Pasifika Medical Association has supported thousands of Pacific families through health, education and wellbeing programmes - grounded in cultural connection, service and measurable outcomes. That legacy continues to shape the way we work, the partnerships we build and the outcomes we seek. We remain deeply focused on improving long-term health and wellbeing across Aotearoa — guided by Pacific values, trusted by our communities and driven by real need.
We welcome scrutiny - but it must be informed, balanced and grounded in fact. We stand by the integrity of our decisions, the strength of our governance and the value of our work across Aotearoa.
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