Tena koutou, Kia ora koutou, Haere mai

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^{The fearsome-looking ceremony above is actually one of welcome, done to find out whether the visitor comes in peace or not. We assume you do!}

The Powhiri (welcome) and Wero (challenge) seen here were performed to welcome Peter Jackson before the Prime Minister's official reception to mark the premier of "Return of the King". None of the guests were allowed to enter Government House before the ceremony was completed. It was truly an amazing ceremony and the hairs on the back of my neck were rigid. The Maori men and women officiating at this were truly awe-inspiring. After watching this you definitely get the feeling that only a complete idiot would come in anything other than peace!

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