Oprah Winfrey will spend two or three days in the country after her show on December 16.
Oprah Winfrey will spend two or three days in the country after her show on December 16.
Fashion industry figures Karen Walker, Dame Trelise Cooper and Denise L'Estrange-Corbet and Labour MP Jacinda Ardern are among high-profile Kiwis set for a private meeting with Oprah Winfrey.
About 100 guests have been invited to meet the US talkshow queen backstage at Auckland's Vector Arena on December 16 before herfirst and only New Zealand show.
The guests will attend a cocktail party hosted by sponsors Swisse, a global health firm, then watch her on-stage performance from VIP seats.
Winfrey is expected to arrive in New Zealand on the day of her An Evening With Oprah show and spend two or three days here afterwards.
The Herald understands she will meet and greet some of our best-known politicians, business leaders and celebrities for about 45 minutes at the cocktail bash - in the arena's Mezzanine Suite - before preparing for her appearance in front of thousands of fans.
Ms Ardern, Labour's justice and children's spokeswoman, confirmed she will attend the party and show.
"I'm looking forward to it because I grew up watching Oprah on TV," she said. "It would be fantastic to meet her but I have no plans to mob her or take my autograph book along.
Jacinda Ardern, Labour's justice and children's spokeswoman, confirmed she will attend the party and show.
"She is a phenomenal individual with an incredible life story but I don't expect I will get much of a chance to discuss politics with her on the night."
Ms L'Estrange-Corbet, the co-founder of fashion brand World, has been a fan of Winfrey since she first appeared on TV in the 1980s.
"I am so excited to meet her," she said. "When Oprah started out she took everyone by surprise by being this overweight black woman with big opinions.
"For all the right reasons she touches on subjects that are usually taboo, such as mental health, and she is a very inspiring person.
"I met the Pope in New York recently and now I am getting to meet Oprah. It will be a great night out. I can't wait."
Denise L'Estrange-Corbet.
It is believed some well-known New Zealanders have been unable to take up the VIP invite.
All Blacks Rugby World Cup captain Richie McCaw is scheduled to be overseas at the time, as is singing superstar Lorde.
Prime Minister John Key has also declined because he is too busy.
"Unfortunately due to other commitments the Prime Minister won't be attending the Oprah Winfrey event in Auckland," a spokesman for Mr Key said last night.
Winfrey - worth a cool US$3 billion - told media last week she can't wait to make her debut in New Zealand.
"I can't wait to experience my hands in the dirt and feet in the land," she said.
