In a move to drive down their CO2 footprint, Pacific Island nations rugby team Moana Pasifika have replaced their fleet of diesel-powered utes with zero-emission Opel Mokka-e EVs, and it’s saved them money too!
Being a Pacific Island nations (including New Zealand and Australia) team, Moana Pasifika has a vested interest in keeping the pacific ocean region clean, this means that aside from rugby, they have a focus on sustainability that extends both on and off the pitch. For example, their kit is made from recycled materials and match day tickets are on-line only, and now their corporate fleet of fossil-fuelled utes have been replaced by 12 cleaner, greener, Opel Mokka-e electric vehicles.
“It’s the easiest step you can make in reducing your CO2,” says Taylah Johnson, Moana Pasifika’s Commercial, Marketing, Content, and Communications manager.
What’s more, not only will the change make a positive impact on the environment but it’s seen their coffers improve too.
“Cost was a huge factor in the move,” says Taylah. “Our fuel costs were in the region of $100k per year, now it’s virtually nothing. Usually it’s more expensive to be sustainable but this works out cheaper.”
Moana Pasifika is the first Super Rugby Pacific franchise to switch to fully electric vehicles, announcing its partnership with Opel; the lowest emission German brand in New Zealand late last year.
The Mokka-e EVs are driven by both the staff, including the coach and CEO Pelenato Sakalia and as pool cars, and are used for attending games and local community events.
Taylah says that it’s cool seeing all the various coloured Mokkas driving together, particularly as they also incorporate Pacific Island patterns, staying true to the heritage of the team.
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,” Sakalia says.
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 Pasifika’s sustainability pledge and their focus on benefiting communities,” Robertson says.
“Moana Pasifika was started uniquely as a non-profit organisation to champion Pasifika 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,” Robertson adds.
Taylah says that the Opel Mokka caters well to their needs, with more than adequate range and ‘normal car’ features.
“Many of us travel from the Mangere area to North Harbour Stadium and the Opel Mokka’s range means that we only have to charge around every three days,” says Taylah. “Even when travelling to Whangarei or Hamilton, we may only have to recharge there.”
Taylah says that for some it just meant a mindset change, however, other staff members already owned an EV so that meant the changeover was easy.
Overall, the feedback has been positive, says Taylah, with staff adding that they like the Mokka-e’s compactness and ease to park around town (compared to the big ute).
“Personally I believe that the Mokka-e drives well and it’s good to know there are no-emissions when stuck in Auckland city traffic,” says Taylah. “I also like that it is a normal car inside, no complex features or confusing menus.”
According to Taylah, Moana Pasifika are currently in discussion with the council for on-site fast chargers and they are ‘almost there’, but in the meantime staff charge their vehicles at home. She goes on to say that they may need to explore charging cards if work chargers are not installed ‘but it’s still cheaper than a fleet of diesel utes’.
As a team, Moana Pasifika’s purpose is to be a rising wave, encouraging everyone to reach their full potential and succeed in all areas of life. Partnering with Opel has meant they can live this vision everywhere they go.
“With no petrol costs and lower EV running costs, as well as no air or noise pollution, this move means the environment and local communities will be cleaner,” says CEO Pelenato.
“The Mokka Electric is a car for everyone, just like Moana Pasifika is a team by the people and for the people. No matter where you come from, you can resonate with their spirit and pride.”
