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.look into their eyes and shake their right hand and say ‘kia ora’.
2. rest your left hand on their shoulder lightly.
3. Touch their nose with your nose lightly.
4.don’t laugh because that is rude to their culture.
The hong is a welcome of their culture that shows respect to the tangata whenua,
therefore it is important you do it correctly.
