I totally agree with correspondent D. Cooper who is critical of the outdated Maori welcome given to dignitaries visiting these shores.

I remember reading a year or so ago, the comments of avisiting American female dignitary who stated she was affronted to be met by a group of half-naked men, prancing around in a hostile manner with their tongues hanging out.

Some time later the visiting King of Tonga declared he did not want such a welcome.

What lunacy made John Key take a group of Maori dancers with him - at taxpayers' expense - on a business trip to Saudi Arabia.

Apart from the fact that I am sure most Saudi Arabians have never heard of New Zealand, what sort of impression were a group of aforesaid half-naked Maori dancers make on the wealthy Saudis?

They must have the impression we still live in the Dark Ages.

Surely it is time we gave a more dignified welcome to important visitors to this country.

Certainly our part-Maori can be represented but perhaps by offering a gift such as a small Maori carving would be pleasing and where appropriate a bow or hand-shake instead of the unhygeinic nose-rubbing.

M Brooks, Tauranga City.