US Comedian Matt Rife given 'next level' haka pōwhiri during first-ever AKL show

American stand-up comedian Matt Rife has just wrapped up his stint in New Zealand for his 'Stay Golden World Tour', and he was given the full Kiwi experience.

Matt performed his first-ever NZ shows in Christchurch on January 16, before heading to Auckland’s Spark Arena on January 17, where he was welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri ceremony and haka on stage.

Sharing a clip on Instagram, Rife wrote: “One of the hardest, coolest, culturally significant show beginnings I’ve ever had on tour!”

The rōpū from Te Whare Karioi delivered a beautifully special welcome, complete with pūtātara (conch shell horns), a waiata, haka AND Matt also experienced a hongi.

Commenters under the video were blown away by the comedian choosing to include and experience Māori tradition.

“Thanks so much for choosing to share! The New Zealand culture has to be amazing,” one commenter wrote. “At times, almost bone-chillingly and goose-bumpily so!!”

Another said: “So cool seeing our culture be embraced by people from overseas, and thank you for acknowledging the indigenous people of Aotearoa.”

“That was epic. It’s always emotional seeing outsiders embrace our culture,” added a third, while a fourth called it a “next level entrance”.

“Awesome respect by the Māori people, and for you to give back was so good to see,” someone else commented. “Truly honouring.”

During his time in Auckland, Matt also caught up with NZ MMA legend Israel Adesanya. The pair jumped in the ring to spar with each other (a brave move), and Izzy later attended Matt’s first-ever Auckland gig.

Prior to his New Zealand debut, Matt had only visited our little corner of the world once before, back in 2023, when he got amongst some of the best adventure tourism the country has to offer - including jumping off the Sky Tower.

We definitely know how to treat celebs who come to Aotearoa and leave them wanting more! Matt, we reckon you’ll be back sooner rather than later.