Haka powhiri group greeting world's biggest stars

(File)
(File)

If you've ever come face-to-face with a big celebrity, you'll know it can be a pretty daunting experience.

But for an Auckland group called KaiHaka, it's just another day at the office - ensuring the world's biggest stars receive a truly New Zealand welcome.

Like many other celebrities visiting New Zealand for the first time, Billy Crystal was met last week with a rousing haka powhiri.

Luckily for KaiHaka, performing in front of big names is something they're used to - they've showcased their talents in front of the likes of Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Demi Lovato and Fall Out Boy.

They were even there to welcome the All Blacks home to Auckland after last year's win at the Rugby World Cup.

The group started by chance in 2006, when KaiHaka performed a haka powhiri for US rapper Common.

From there, the phone started ringing - and the group has since welcomed dozens of special guests.

Singer Demi Lovato was so impressed by her own backstage welcome that she invited the group to open her performance at Vector Arena last year.

Eru Rarere-Wilton says the group - led by Malcolm Kerehoma - wants its performances to reflect traditional Maori values.

"It's who we are - it's our point of difference in the world," he said.

"They won't experience it anywhere else, but like I say, it's about manaakitanga [and] whanaungatanga for us, and giving them that sense of belonging and being welcomed."

But the best story so far was welcoming Rihanna backstage.

"She put out her hand so I shook her hand, and she went to walk away and I said, 'Nah, nah, you have to hongi now'. And she said, 'Oh right okay', and she comes in for the hongi," he said.

"All the boys lined up after that, so I guess I can claim to be the first Maori to hongi Rihanna, which is something not too many people can claim."

That's one story to remember, with plenty more to come.

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