The or meeting, usually on a marae. It begins with a (a welcoming ceremony). If a visitor is noteworthy, he or she may be welcomed with an aggressive challenge by a warrior armed with a (traditional fighting staff), who then offers a token of peace, such as a fern frond, to the visitor. Acceptance of the token in the face of such aggression is a demonstration of the courage and of the visitor. The is highly structured, with speeches from both hosts and guests following a traditional format, their sequence dictated by the (protocol) of that place, and followed by , songs. are held for business, for festivities or for rites of passage such as baptism, marriage and death. It is appreciated if foreign guests can say a few words in Māori and sing a song they are familiar with as a group.