What is a hongi?
Quick answer
The hongi is a traditional Māori greeting from New Zealand in which two people press their noses and foreheads together and share a breath. It represents the exchange of the ha, the breath of life, and symbolizes that a visitor is no longer a stranger but one of the people of the land.
The meaning
In Māori tradition, the god Tāne created the first woman, Hineahuone, from earth and breathed life into her nostrils. The hongi recalls this sharing of the ha. Once you’ve exchanged the hongi, you’re considered tangata whenua, “people of the land,” and take on the responsibilities of being part of the community, at least during your visit.
When it’s used
- During a pōwhiri, the formal welcome ceremony onto a marae (meeting ground)
- When greeting family and friends, especially at important events
- At official occasions, including visits by heads of state and royalty
How to do it respectfully
- Take the other person’s right hand in a handshake.
- Lean in and gently press noses, and often foreheads, together.
- Pause for a moment, breathing gently; don’t rush.
- Some regions touch noses once, others twice.
If you’re visiting a marae, follow the lead of your hosts; local customs can vary between iwi (tribes).
Other Māori words to know
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kia ora | Hello, thank you, best wishes |
| Haere mai | Welcome |
| Aotearoa | The Māori name for New Zealand |
| Whānau | Family, extended family |
| Haka | A ceremonial dance or challenge, famous through the All Blacks rugby team |
Māori, or te reo Māori, is an official language of New Zealand; see what the capital of New Zealand is.
For greetings in other cultures, see how to respond to “how are you?” and what “what up” means.
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