New Zealand Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Jack Steer meets

New Zealand Vice Chief of Defence Force, Rear Admiral Jack Steer meets with Admiral Thad Allen
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Shipmates,

I recently attended a reception at the New Zealand Embassy and held discussions with Rear Admiral Jack Steer, Vice Chief of Defence, and Ambassador to the United States, Roy Ferguson. The U.S. Coast Guard and Royal New Zealand Forces share many common challenges and we enjoy a terrific working relationship.

The visit to the Embassy was unique in that it included a traditional greeting ceremony of the Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. The "Po Whiri" ceremony is intended to ward off evil spirits and unite both visitor and host in an environment of friendship and peace.

The ceremony begins with the "Wero." This is a challenge to visitors or "Manuhiri" to make sure of their intentions. The term Wero literally means to cast a spear. As the Commandant and senior visitor I represented all visitors (Manuhiri) at the Wero.

During the Wero a warrior emerged from the Embassy and demonstrated his skill with the weapon (a spear). During the approach of the warrior his eyes remained fixed on me to determine whether my intentions were friendly and the Manuhiri came in peace. When the warrior drew within a spear length he placed an offering on the ground, the "Rautapu." My obligation was to pick up the offering without losing eye contact with the warrior and then advance into the building as he moved back.

Following the Wero I was greeted by the "Karanga" (a group of natives) where I was welcomed with the "hongi" (a traditional Maori greeting of pressing noses together).

The Po Whiri was followed by a delightful reception and discussion of common interests.  

During the reception the New Zealand government honored U.S. military members who responded when a New Zealand aircraft carrying tourists to Antarctica on a sightseeing flight flew into Mount Erebus (near McMurdo Sound) with the loss of all 257 persons on board in 1977.  The crash site was located by a US Navy aircraft and Navy personnel assisted in the recovery of remains, 44 were never identified.  11 American citizens were awarded the New Zealand Special Service Medal (Erebus).  

All in all, a unique and moving evening with great partners.

ADM A