Turkey has lifted a ban on the haka at Gallipoli, meaning for the first time the Defence Force has been allowed to officially perform it on the peninsula on Anzac Day.
Historically, the Turks have been offended by the haka, and New Zealand has always respected their views. But after some explaining, the two countries have reached an agreement -- for now, at least.
A performance of the haka at Chunuk Bair, the site of one of the most significant Gallipoli battles for ANZAC troops, was the last push of a long and emotional week in Turkey for the Defence Force.
When it was over, the strict military formalities fell away and the force huddled together and sobbed.
"I think [the ban] goes back to when the haka was first performed here in 1915," says Flt Sgt Kathy Nikau of the NZDF Maori cultural group.
"The Turks really believed that hell was opening up. When the Maori contingent came through and while they were attacking, they were singing the haka."
The Turks have allowed the haka to be performed only once before this -- last August for the centenary of the battle itself.
"There was lightning, there was thunder, it just rolled black," says Flt Sgt Nikau.
The stands at Chunuk Bair were packed, but it was a far smaller crowd than last year, with far more Australians after their Lone Pine service was cancelled. It also has a far smaller budget -- $1.3 million from the Government for Gallipoli, down $1 million on last year.
"We are treating the 101st in a way different than the 100th," says John McLeod, NZDF heritage commemorations protocol director. "If there's a reason to commemorate and remember, then it's as valid as in any other year."
But with the haka, this year just became that bit more memorable.
The haka won't necessarily become a fixture of Anzac celebrations at Gallipoli -- it will be agreed on a year-by-year, case-by-case basis after discussions with the Turks behind the scenes.
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