The vibrant atmosphere at North Harbour Stadium during Moana Pasifika’s latest match was nothing short of electric. The crowd, united in song, harmonised to the EFKS Samoan hymn Ia Pepese, while conch shells and the rhythmic beats of Pacific music filled the air. Though the stadium is situated on Auckland’s North Shore, the sheer presence of Pasifika supporters made it feel like a home game in South Auckland.
A Team Without a Permanent Home
Moana Pasifika has had a nomadic journey when it comes to finding a permanent base. The team initially shared Mt Smart Stadium with the New Zealand Warriors before briefly hosting games at Eden Park, the home of the Auckland Blues. However, as of September 2024, North Harbour Stadium has become their official home ground, with all home fixtures set to be played there in the 2025 season.
Head Coach Faʻalogo Tana Umaga acknowledged the significance of a dedicated base for the team and expressed a strong desire for a purpose-built facility in South Auckland. “It would be great if there was a sporting facility in South Auckland that could host Moana Pasifika, but at this moment, there isn’t one. North Harbour is the only available stadium we can train from and call home,” he said.
Despite the distance, Umaga remains confident that Moana Pasifika’s passionate fanbase will continue to turn up in numbers. “Our people are navigators—we have always traveled. So, making the journey from South Auckland to support their team is something they will always do.”
Pacific Presence in North Shore
Although South Auckland is often regarded as the heart of New Zealand’s Pasifika community, North Shore also has a significant Pacific presence. According to the latest census, around 5.2% of North Shore’s population identifies as Pasifika—approximately 7,600 people. Many of them have embraced Moana Pasifika’s presence in the area, delighted to see a team representing their heritage play at North Harbour Stadium.
Among the many supporters frequently spotted at games is Samoan actor Beulah Koale, best known for his role in Hawaii Five-0. Koale has been a vocal supporter of the team, further highlighting the cultural connection Moana Pasifika fosters within the community.
The Future of Moana Pasifika
As Moana Pasifika continues to solidify its place in Super Rugby, discussions around a dedicated South Auckland venue remain a hot topic. For now, North Harbour Stadium is their home, but the unwavering support from the Pacific community ensures that wherever they play, the team will never be short of fans.
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