10-year-old Ethan Bates lives and breathes Moana Pasifika, and wants to take Moana Pasifika to the world.
He’s got Moana Pasifika flags, jerseys, socks, beanies, hats, shorts, you name it Ethan has got it.
Combining his passion for the team and his creativity, Ethan has made several Moana Pasifika themed games and creations.
This includes a Moana Pasifika monopoly game for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, top trumps cards and Christmas domes.
Earlier this year the Bates family adopted rescue rabbits which Ethan named after the Inisi brothers.
“I have two rabbits, their names are Lotu and Fine. Lotu loves attention and he loves rubs. But Fine doesn’t like attention.”
Ethan’s love for Moana Pasifika began when he discovered videos of former Moana Pasifika halfback Ere Enari sharing his pride in his faith and culture, as well as his interests off the field.
Sarah, Ethan’s mum said he saw Ere’s long hair and noticed how different he was to other rugby players. Ethan felt like he resonated with Ere, learning that It’s ok to be different and unapologetic about your faith, heritage and who you are.
“I support Moana Pasifika because they are a lovely community and they have taught me resilience,” Ethan says.
The Bates family made it a tradition to travel to Australia for Super Round, and have also made trips around New Zealand to watch Moana Pasifika play. From Whangārei to Christchurch and Melbourne last season, just to name a few.
In 2023 they went to Paris for the Rugby World Cup, watching 22 games and supporting Manu Samoa and the ‘Ikale Tahi. Ethan wore his Moana merch proudly in every stadium and even donned a Samoan flag.
Ethan enjoys playing rugby for the College Rifles Raiders and recently got accepted into Auckland’s Sacred Heart College where he hopes to continue his rugby journey.
ENDS
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