Deeply stitched in the fabric of time, the haka has become a headline-grabbing thread tying the present day to a history rich in folklore of the Māori heritage.
You may have seen it before and felt a combination of both shock and intrigue, watching impassioned New Zealanders with their eyes bulging, tongues sticking out, stomping and yelling. It can seem quite intimidating when it's meant to be, but it is also a deeply moving representation of a unique approach to life from ancient times. Click through to see photos of the stunning ritual, and find out why it's here to stay.