Maori lead Bastille Day parade honouring war dead [In pictures]

Bare-chested Maori warriors joined more than 3,000 other troops and dozens of helicopters and fighters roared overhead as France honoured Australia and New Zealand in its Bastille Day parade in Paris on Thursday.

Maori warriors from New Zealand take part in the traditional Bastille Day military parade on the Champs Elysées in Paris. Reuters/Benoit Tessier

Maori were part of an 85-strong contingent from New Zealand who marched alongside 140 Australian soldiers to mark their countries' role in the World War I Battle of the Somme, a century ago.

Maori warriors march in front of New Zealand's soldiers as they take part in the annual Bastille Day military parade in Paris. Dominique Faget/AFP

Maori from New Zealand take part in the traditional Bastille Day military parade. Reuters/Benoit Tessier

A Maori warrior Reuters/Benoit Tessier

A Maori gestures as New Zealand's soldiers march down the Champs Elysees in Paris. Thomas Samson/AFP