Its probably not something he sees everyday...
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta here greeted with a traditional maori welcoming ceremony as he arrives in Auckland, New Zealand.
Maori warriors surrounded the secretary-- sticking out their tongues and brandishing weapons--as part of a powhiri - which is meant to frighten the enemy.
Later, during a photo opportunity, the defense secretary joked...
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA SAYING:
"Why don't you guys stick your tounges out?"
Panetta was to meet with his defence counterpart to announce the lifting of a 26-year-old ban on visits by NZ warships over a stand-off over nuclear issues.
