ISSUING A CHALLENGE

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09/21/2012 01:40 PM CDT

U.S. Defense Leon E. Panetta is issued a wero, or challenge, by Maori warriors during a Powhiri ceremony while visiting Auckland, New Zealand, Sept. 21, 2012. Panetta picked up the rakau tapu, or dart, while keeping eye contact with the warrior. The ceremony is an ancient Maori tradition to determine if visitors came in peace or with hostile intent.