Known as the breath of life, the tradition began when the first earthly MДЃoriВ woman, Hineahuone, was born. ItвЂ™s the equivalent of doing a thoughtful handshake but is much more intimate, given the faces are placed so close together. HongiДЄ gesture of respect, the Hongi is a traditional greeting done by pressing the nose and forehead against someone elseвЂ™s. So, if you are planning a trip to New Zealand, donвЂ™t forget to pay attention to these five MДЃoriВ 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 MДЃoriВ 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 ZealandвЂ™s indigenous peoples are not only celebrated, but they provide an exciting and magical insight into this beautiful country.ДЄrriving in New Zealand hundreds of years ago on hand-made canoes, the MДЃoriВ people brought a culture that is now a key part of the countryвЂ™s national identity. For some, MДЃoriВ culture means watching a Haka performance during a football game, or seeing tribal tattoos on the forearms of burly men.

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