Christopher Luxon rules out taxpayer help for failed Moana Pasifika rugby side

The prime minister has poured cold water on the prospect of government support to save Moana Pasifika, after confirmation the Super Rugby franchise will not be involved in next year's competition.

But coalition partner New Zealand First has indicated it was working on a plan, but did not have enough time before New Zealand Rugby pulled the pin.

Moana Pasifika was placed into liquidation in May, and on Wednesday New Zealand Rugby confirmed it had rejected several bids to rescue the team.

Crown entity Sport New Zealand had loaned Moana Pasifika $3 million at the time of its launch, and the government had sought advice on how to recover the money still owed.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he did not think the public would want taxpayer funds to be put into the team.

"We've put money in this before, it's failed. Is that the best use of our money? Probably there's other things like schools, roads, and hospitals that Kiwis would want more than support for a professional sports team."

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters expressed his disappointment that New Zealand Rugby had "chosen to announce today" that Moana Pasifika would not be part of the 2027 competition.

As foreign minister, Peters visited Samoa earlier this month and told Pacific leaders New Zealand was exploring "all possible options" for a financially sustainable future for Moana Pasifika.

"Less than a month ago, we were approached by a number of parties and rugby lovers seeking our support to put Moana Pasifika on a financially sustainable footing. It would have been helpful if Moana Pasifika had come to us earlier about their financial situation," he said, in his capacity as New Zealand First leader.

"Achieving a result in three weeks to facilitate Moana Pasifika being part of the 2027 season was always going to be a bridge too far. We had hoped NZ Rugby would grant us more time, but they decided they had to move ahead announcing today that the team will not be part of Super Rugby next year."

The sport's governing body has left the door open for Moana Pasifika to compete beyond 2027.

While New Zealand Rugby remained "open and willing" to engage with anyone who could meet the financial and commercial requirements, chief financial officer Chris Kinraid said a competitive and sustainable team would need commercial revenue of more than $10 million, and at least $15 million in committed capital to support its business plan and maintain appropriate cash reserves.