Navigation for Bowie's Waiata

Bowie's Waiata. Photos courtesy of Ngati Toa.

In 1983 David Bowie was enjoying the biggest success of his career. The album Let's Dance had gone to number one around the world and the subsequent 'Serious Moonlight' tour was playing to huge, record breaking audiences.

The show finally reached New Zealand and on 23 November, shortly before his first concert in Wellington, Bowie was invited to visit Takapūwāhia Marae in Porirua.

He was the first bonafide rock star to be officially welcomed onto a Māori marae.

Photos courtesy of Ngati Toa.

Bowie during the whaikorero (formal speech). Photo courtesy of Ngati Toa.

Waiting for Bowie at Takapūwāhia marae. Photo courtesy of Ngati Toa.

Photo courtesy of Ngati Toa.

Entering Takapūwāhia marae for the powhiri (welcome). Photo courtesy of Ngati Toa.

Photo courtesy of Ngati Toa.

Tangata whenua (people of the marae) accept the koha, or gift, from the manuhiri (visitors). Photo courtesy of Ngati Toa.

Tamahine (girls) preparing to perform poi. Photo courtesy of Ngati Toa.

Recording memories for the programme Bowie's Waiata in 2008. Producer Sam Coley on right.

Interviewees at Takapūwāhia marae 2008. Photo: RNZ/Sam Coley.

Guide Nelson 2008. Photo: RNZ/Sam Coley.

Guide Nelson 2008. Photo: RNZ/Sam Coley.

A Porirua landscape 2008. Photo: RNZ/Sam Coley.

The images in this gallery are used with permission and are subject to copyright conditions.