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WATCH: President Michael D Higgins was welcomed to New Zealand with a traditional Haka
President Michael D Higgins was welcomed to New Zealand with a traditional Haka.
The President is currently on a six day State Visit of New Zealand and began the day at Government House in Wellington.
Having pressed noses with Maori elders and taking part in a traditional Pōwhiri ceremony in which a warrior advanced towards him with a spear before placing a dart on the ground as a peace offering.
Maintaining eye contact with the warrior President Higgins stopped down and picked up the dart.
The warrior then slapped his thigh to signify that the ceremony had been a success.
After a Karanga, or call to welcome, a Maori party performed a traditional Haka.
In the dance, the President and their party were likened to passengers on an ancient war canoe.
Following this the Irish national anthem was played and a 21 gun salute fired.
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