Not about the money: Pasifika band stands with Moana to the end

Payment or no payment, the Ikuna Youth Band was always going to play at Moana's game against the Blues.

On Saturday May 2, the band performed in the stands ahead of the Super Rugby game at North Harbour Stadium.

Moana Pasifika, already destined to leave the competition, was unable to pay for the performance, and suggested that the band didn’t need to attend.

They showed up anyway.

Musical director Viliami Telefoni said showing up and performing was part of supporting their Pasifika brotherhood doing well in sports.

“It's not about the money. It's about showing our love, our aroha, our alofa to each other, our ofa. And we're doing this for free," he told TWN on the  night.

"Why not come together, have a jam, and spend the night together as a band. You know, [add to] the atmosphere," said Telefoni.

Band manager Semisi Telefoni said the band members drew from their cultural backgrounds to support their fellow Pasifika brothers and sisters.

“We're not here to get paid. We're here to support what our purpose is, which is our youth, getting them some experience, some exposure.

“We're also just supporting the Pasifika family,” he said.

The Ikuna Youth Band is a Tongan Pasifika band based in central Auckland, made up of 80 plus members and consisting of brass, flutes, and strings.

They perform in several community spaces, including church services, ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) parades, as well as Super Rugby matches.

The band has been going for 29 years, offering a space for youth to keep busy while engaging in their Pasifika identity.

Student and band member Petsylee Teisi said through the free lessons offered by the band, she had learned to play the violin and cornet.

“It's been a real blessing for me, not only myself, but my three little siblings.

“[It’s] about giving back to the community. This is our people. We want to inspire,” she said.

Teisi said the tutors opened doors for "anyone who wants to come in", describing their support as a “blessing”.

It was announced in April that Moana Pasifika would be disbanding at the end of the 2026 season after five years in the competition, due to financial challenges.

There are only three more rounds of the regular season.

“[We want] to let them know that we're behind them no matter what. Whatever things happen in the future for Moana, we're just here to support them," said Viliami Telefoni.

The Super Rugby match ended 45-19, a win for the Auckland Blues.

Moana Pasifika’s next game was against the Hurricanes, which they lost 50-17.

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Our journalists sometimes use AI tools which are checked by humans for accuracy. 

AI was used to transcribe audio from the interviews.