Opel NZ is adding some spark to Moana Pasifika’s rugby season next year with a fleet of fully electric vehicles for the team.

Moana Pasifika is the first Super Rugby Pacific franchise to switch to fully electric vehicles, and will be driving into the new year in the dynamic Opel Mokka-e Electric SUV which has zero emissions and a range of 363km.

This new partnership allows Moana Pasifika to take control of their va’a (vehicles) and forge their path while promoting cleaner drives. 

Moana Pasifika CEO Pelenato Sakalia says they are proud to partner with a company whose values of sustainability, progression and authenticity align with the club. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Opel showing our commitment to caring for the planet and the future. This ensures that our team is taken care of and doing their part to better our community on and off the field. We hope the rest of Aotearoa can get on board with us,” says Sakalia. 

Opel Commercial Manager Noah Robertson says they are honoured to play a small part in Moana Pasifika’s inspiring story and be the official vehicle provider for the team.

“This partnership showcases the authenticity behind Moana Pacifika’s sustainability pledge and their focus on benefiting communities.

“Moana Pacifika was started uniquely as a non-profit organisation to champion the Pacifika people, this makes the Moana Pasifika Super Rugby franchise unlike any other professional sports organisation in the world. Going all-electric shows the depth of this focus, especially when considering climate change is a well-documented ongoing issue for Pacific Island nations,” says Robertson.

The new car also incorporates Pacific Island patterns, staying true to the heritage of the team.