Known as the breath of life, the tradition began when the first earthly Māori woman, Hineahuone, was born. It’s the equivalent of doing a thoughtful handshake but is much more intimate, given the faces are placed so close together.
HongiĪ gesture of respect, the Hongi is a traditional greeting done by pressing the nose and forehead against someone else’s. So, if you are planning a trip to New Zealand, don’t forget to pay attention to these five Māori traditions that will give you a new understanding and appreciation of this fascinating country and culture. One of the best ways to experience and get a magical piece of insight into this ancient culture is to experience it yourself. Today, the Māori community makes up approximately 15 per cent of the population, with more than half a million people speaking the native tongue. But the traditions of New Zealand’s indigenous peoples are not only celebrated, but they provide an exciting and magical insight into this beautiful country.Īrriving in New Zealand hundreds of years ago on hand-made canoes, the Māori people brought a culture that is now a key part of the country’s national identity. For some, Māori culture means watching a Haka performance during a football game, or seeing tribal tattoos on the forearms of burly men.