Story: Mau rākau – Māori use of weaponry

Leaping high with his taiaha (fighting staff) held in an outstretched arm, Joshua Wikiriwhi-Heta confronts Attorney General Christopher Finlayson and a party of government officials at Puatahi Marae, Warkworth, in 2010. The wero is a customary challenge given to distinguished visitors as they enter a marae. In the 21st century it is one of the situations in which traditional weapons such as the taiaha are still used.