English popstar Harry Styles is being praised for embracing Te Ao Māori after meeting with a local kapa haka group ahead of his one-off show in Auckland last night.
By Jack Horsnell and Fiona Connor
A rōpū from Tāmaki Makaurau delivered a powerful Pōwhiri to the former One Direction band member when he arrived at Mt Smart Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Styles’ willingness to lean and embrace manawhenua has been applauded by tangata whenua, with some saying it showed just how genuine the superstar is.
During the meeting, the Watermelon Sugar singer performed two renditions of Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi, led by Indigie Femme, which had everyone singing along.
Styles appeared eager to learn more about Aotearoa's culture which reflected the meaning of Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi.
One person from a local kapa haka rōpū told 1News: “As big of a star he is, he’s still acknowledging Te Ao Māori, not only by singing but by the way Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi represents - joining people together, joining all tribes together.
“Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi is to stand as one, one people, so him singing that song is great.
“Absolutely lovely, genuine lovely soul."
Approximately 47,000 fans poured into the Penrose concert venue last night to see Styles shine.
During the show, Styles belted out the first line from “Tutira Mai Ngā Iwi, triggering the crowd into singing the words from the waiata back to him.
Ahead of the show, Kiwi singer Paige told 1News she was "honoured" to be part of the English star's opening act.
Earlier in the week, two of Styles' superfans were left starstruck after randomly bumping into the pop superstar.
Bria Cameron, a 19-year-old from Wellington, was at Auckland Viaduct having dinner with a friend around sunset.
Just as the two had sat down they spotted Styles taking an evening stroll outside.
Having been a fan of Styles since his One Direction days, Cameron shot out of her seat and rushed up to try and grab a picture - but he politely declined.
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