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. Say kia ora gently shake hands with a adult and squeeze it a little bit
2. Then put your lift hand on their right shoulder
3. After that sensibly a little press on there nose but not a hard push
The hongi is a greeting that shows respect to the tangata whenua therefore it is important you do it correctly.
