Kanaloa Rugby CEO Tracy Atiga says a Pacific-led consortium is ready to secure the future of Moana Pasifika, insisting the organisation has the financial backing, leadership experience and community support needed to stabilise the struggling Super Rugby franchise.
The bid comes as concerns continue mounting around the long-term sustainability of Moana Pasifika, which has faced ongoing financial and operational pressures since entering Super Rugby.
Atiga says Kanaloa Rugby’s proposal offers a fundamentally different model centred on stronger Pacific governance, commercial sustainability and deeper community engagement across Aotearoa and the wider Pacific region.
The consortium believes greater Pacific ownership and leadership are essential to ensuring the franchise remains connected to its original kaupapa of creating opportunities for Pasifika players, coaches and fans.
Questions are also being raised over the process surrounding the rejected takeover proposal, with Kanaloa claiming its bid was blocked despite presenting what it says was a credible and fully funded plan for the franchise’s future.
Atiga says concerns remain around transparency and decision-making, particularly given the financial challenges facing professional rugby and the importance of ensuring Pacific voices are genuinely represented in decisions involving Moana Pasifika.
The franchise was established to provide a pathway for Pacific talent and strengthen representation within elite rugby, while also building stronger cultural connections with Pasifika communities throughout New Zealand and the Pacific.
Kanaloa Rugby says maintaining that vision requires leadership structures grounded in Pacific values, relationships and long-term investment rather than short-term survival strategies.
The debate comes at a time when Super Rugby franchises across the region continue facing financial pressures linked to sponsorship, travel costs, audience competition and shifting commercial realities within professional sport.
Despite those challenges, Atiga says Kanaloa remains confident a community-driven Pacific model can create long-term sustainability through stronger grassroots engagement, partnerships and commercial development.
The future ownership and direction of Moana Pasifika is expected to remain a major talking point within New Zealand rugby as pressure grows to secure the franchise’s long-term future both on and off the field.
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