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Story: Māori manners and social behaviour – Ngā mahi tika

The hongi

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The hongi

Two kuia (women elders) press noses in the ancient Māori greeting called the hongi in 1963 at Tūrangawaewae marae, Ngāruawāhia. All genders greet each other this way in Māori society, especially in more culturally formal situations such as on a marae. Non-Māori can also expect to be greeted with a hongi when taking part in Māori ceremonies. 

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How to cite this page

Mark Derby, Māori manners and social behaviour – Ngā mahi tika – Welcome and hospitality, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/41175/the-hongi (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Mark Derby, published 21 March 2013.