Mafi and his family returned to New Zealand after he left Perpignan at the end of the 2017–18 Top 14 season, with Mafi rejoining Manawatu Turbos for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup.
After leaving Perpignan in 2018, Mafi relocated to New Zealand with his family. He then rejoined the Manawatu Turbos for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup season.