Nosey welcome for the President

Auckland: President Pranab Mukherjee rubbed his nose with the Maori chief and his wife as part of the traditional welcome on a three-day visit to New Zealand. At the Governor General’s residence, he was ‘stopped’ by Maori warriors as part of the tradition, originally conceived to ascertain whether the guest was an “enemy or a friend”. The 80-year-old was briefed about the significance of the tradition as the Maori fighters yelled their battle cries. — PTI