Bowie’s Waiata

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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 1983, and shortly before his first concert in Wellington, Bowie was invited to visit Takapūwāhia Marae in Porirua. He was among the first bonafide rock stars to be officially welcomed onto a Māori marae.

Here's Sam Coley with the story of the visit, and the special song Bowie sang that day:

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.

Related stories

• Bowie's Waiata - History of Takapuwahia Marae With Matiu Rei
• Bowie's Waiata - Tour of Takapuwahia Marae with guide Nelson
• Bowie 'treated like family' on marae
• The Sampler Summit - David Bowie - Nick Bollinger hosts a discussion about the box set Five Years - 1969-1973.
• David Bowie Is - a tour of the V&A-curated David Bowie Is exhibition at Melbourne's ACMI.
• David Bowie: The Odyssey of a Changeling - George Kay presents a 6-part overview of Bowie's music ranging from the 1980's up to 2004.