Some of the most influential international celebrities have had the privilege of a pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcome to the shores of Aotearoa. An experience so unique, a well-travelled Bob Marley said he had, "never had one like this before".
Years later this was echoed by Public Enemy's Flavor Flav who said, "out of everywhere we’ve been to in the world, this has been the most warmest welcome".
Bob Marley - 1979
Influential Rastafarian, Bob Marley and his group The Wailers were greeted with a one-of-a-kind welcome at Ngā Hau e Whā Marae in Pukekohe. The musicians were in New Zealand to perform at Western Springs.
David Bowie – 1983
Bowie landed down under for his Serious Moonlight tour, where he requested to visit a marae. Bowie was embraced by star-struck crowds at Takapūwāhia Marae, Porirua.
Tina Turner - 1985
Rock legend Tina Turner took some time out of her Private Dancer tour to visit Auckland’s Ōrākei Marae. Turner wore a pounamu hei tiki necklace and joined in with the waiata. Turner was gifted a wooden patu by the Māori elders as a symbol of great respect.
Queen Elizabeth II - 1990
Visiting New Zealand 10 times during her reign, Queen Elizabeth II graced Waikawa Marae with her presence in 1990. At the Picton marae, her Majesty met with 18 descendants of southern signatories to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Nelson Mandela - 1995
Nelson Mandela visited Tūrangawaewae Marae where he met with the Māori Queen Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu and planted a South African tree in her garden. Mandela was in New Zealand for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
Dalai Lama - 1996
The Dalai Lama began his second tour of New Zealand with a trip to Waiwhetū Marae in Lower Hutt. In an unusual move, no challenge was issued as his holiness entered the Marae. He was greeted by the full council of the Te Āti Awa Chiefs, marae members and invited embassy representatives.
Public Enemy – 2008
US rap group Public Enemy were given a special pōwhiri in their honour at To Poho-o-Rāwiri Marae, Gisborne. The musicians were in New Zealand to play at the New Year’s Eve festival, Rhythm and Vines.
Venus Williams – 2015
American tennis legend, Venus Williams was welcomed with a pōwhiri at Ōrākei Marae in Auckland ahead of competing in the ASB Classic women’s tennis tournament.
Williams remarked: "Whenever I’m a part of culture like this, it feels so rich and it’s something that I would love to know where I was from."
Oprah Winfrey – 2015
Oprah described her visit as a "spiritual experience" after she was welcomed by Ngāti Whātua at Ōrākei Marae on Auckland's Bastion Point. Winfrey was in New Zealand for a one-off show at Spark Arena, in which she shared an evening of personal stories and insights into her long-lasting career.
Prince Harry – 2015
On Prince Harry’s first Royal tour of New Zealand, a pōwhiri was held to welcome the 30-year-old, who wore a special korowai cloak as he was welcomed to Pūtiki Marae in Whanganui.
Barack Obama – 2018
The 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama received an official welcome at Government House in Epsom, Auckland, where Ngāti Whātua performed a pōwhiri. Obama also met with Jacinda Ardern in her first year as Prime Minister.
Obama was in New Zealand to speak at an event hosted by New Zealand's poet laureate Selina Tusitala Marsh and was interviewed by actor Sir Sam Neill.
Jason Momoa – 2023
Hawaiian Hollywood heavyweight, Jason Momoa was given a royal welcome at Hoani Waititi Marae in West Auckland. Momoa was in New Zealand for the filming of the television series, Chief of War.
Snoop Dogg – 2023
The dog-father of rap was treated to a pōwhiri as he hopped off the plane. Snoop Dogg was in New Zealand for his I Wanna Thank Me Tour.
'From the Archive' is a weekly video series on 1News.co.nz, exploring TVNZ's vast archive of news content spanning decades.
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