Jason Momoa’s bare chest and some of Aotearoa’s best musical talent all played a part in raising over $700,000 for people affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
More than 30,000 people rocked up to Maranga Rise Up Aotearoa at West Auckland’s Parrs Park on Sunday. With a lineup including Stan Walker, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Che Fu and more Kiwi legends, the music on offer was unreal.
However, old mate Aquaman provided one of the top highlights of the eight-hour concert when he whipped off his shirt and threw it into the appreciative crowd.
“Aloha, hello everyone,” Momoa said before removing any clothing. “I’m so glad to be here."
“I want to send my love to all the families rebuilding,” he added before encouraging people to donate.
Reactions to Momoa getting his rig out were pretty crack up.
"Why does the universe hate me?" one person asked. "Nobody told us he was gonna be there."
"Jason totally glad you're here to join in with the fundraising for a great Kaupapa - you have made someone a special day," another wrote.
"Shoulda made everyone donate first, then take his shirt off lol," a third added.
Momoa is in the country to shoot his new TV series ‘Chief Of War’, in which he is the lead actor and writer. As well as getting topless in front of tens of thousands of screaming fans, the ‘Game of Thrones’ star has also been chopping it up with (and feeding vodka to) All Black legends like Piri Weepu and Rene Ranger while in the country.
Maranga Rise Up Aotearoa was created by Te Whānau o Waipareira with Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency and Whakaata Māori. John Tamihere, the CEO of Waipareira, said they decided to put the concert together to help prepare those in need for the next year and a half, which will be rough.
“Whānau know we understand the challenges ahead in the next week, month, 12 months and 18 months,” he said, as reported by Te Ao Māori News. “All of this money raised through Maranga is a huge part of ensuring they continue to receive the assistance they deserve.”
