Emilia Clarke encouraged to visit marae and meet iwi on arrival in Aotearoa

Wellington has been quietly glowing this week after international film star Emilia Clarke was spotted in the capital, stopping in at the local fish market and sharing smiles with staff and shoppers. Best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen, Clarke is in Aotearoa for an upcoming film project and has already been enjoying the simple pleasures of Kiwi life, from fresh kai to relaxed walks around the waterfront.

Before she arrived, her close friend and former co star Jason Momoa shared some heartfelt advice on live television about what she should do first in New Zealand. Momoa told viewers that Emilia should visit a marae and spend time meeting iwi so she could truly understand the spirit of this land. He said experiencing te ao Māori was something special and encouraged her to connect with the people and the culture as soon as she touched down.

The kōrero has been warmly received by locals, with many saying it is beautiful to see global stars being guided toward Māori spaces and values. Whānau across Pōneke are already sharing their hopes of welcoming Clarke with manaakitanga and showing her the depth of culture, history and aroha that lives here in Aotearoa.

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