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 take your right hand and shake the persons hand firmly (no floppy fish hand).
2.keep holding persons hand. place left hand on right shoulder remember to make eye contact.
3.press noses together gently.
4.lift heads away gently and release hands. That is how you do the Hongi.
