The Hongi
What is a hongi?
A hongi is the pressing of noses, which symbolises the exchange of the breath of life
When does the hongi happen?
When the tangata whenua side indicates that the speeches are complete, the manuhiri speakers approach the tangata whenua to hongi
What to do.
- First shake the other person’s right hand firmly with a little squeeze
- Next great them by saying Kia ora (that is hello in Maori)
- Then rest your left hand on their right shoulder
- After that you gently touch their nose with your nose that is a hongi
- Make sure you make eye contact and release noses and hands then take your hand of their shoulder
The hongi is a respectful greeting so it is important to do it properly.
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