how to hongi

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 take your right hand and shake the other person’s hand firmly and give a little squeeze make eye contact and say kia ora. 
• Next take your left hand and gently rest your hand on the other person’s shoulder and lean your head forward a little bit and touch noses gently for 1 second 
• Finally take your head away and release hands gently and that’s what you call a Hongi. 

 The hongi is a greeting that shows respect to the tangata whenua, therefore it is important you do it correctly