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. First look into the tangata whenua eyes and shake their right hand with your right hand firmly and say “kia Ora”.
2. Next Place your left hand on their right shoulder sensibly (not like your squeezing a plushie).
3. Gently press noses, take off your left arm and your done.
These instructions will help you learn the Hongi. If you laugh or giggle this means you're disrespecting the Maori culture and if you’re greeting a Maori person this is very important to do correctly
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