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.
1 Shake hands with a firm squeeze then say “kia ora”.
2 Then you put your left hand on their shoulder tightly.
3 Gently press your nose together softly for one second.
4 Then first take your hand off their shoulder.
5 Then take your hand away and you are done.
The hongi is a special way in Maori to say welcome and to say we are here to not make trouble.
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