How web founder got his nose out of joint
The enthusiasm with which European and Maori New Zealanders find any pretext to perform the haka is not only making a mockery of it but is making many of the rest of us “all haka’d out”.
But now it seems they’re turning their talents to the hongi, which they perform with gusto at any and every opportunity, often to the discomfort of those they are greeting.
A glaring example was the welcome the inventor of the world wide web Sir Tim Berners-Lee received at Te Papa in Wellington this week before giving a public lecture on the importance of keeping the web open and accessible to everyone.
Judging from some of the television coverage, the poor chap seemed surprised and a tad bewildered as he pressed noses with a seemingly endless line of wellwishers – most of them, curiously, Europeans.
But he put a brave face on it as he moved along the line of people shoving their noses in his face.
Even the news media covering the event remarked on how he “gingerly embraced part of our culture with a hongi greeting”.
Perhaps he was poorly briefed on what to expect and how to respond, but if people are uncomfortable with this ritual – and there are many valid reasons why this may be – they should not have it thrust upon them willy nilly.
Invasion of their space
For some cultures it is an invasion of their space as well as an unhealthy practice which spreads germs.
And for beginners, it can be an acutely awkward gesture to undertake, especially when protocol often decrees they should keep their eyes closed so as not to be seen to be challenging their hosts.
Then there is the delicate matter of judging how firm the nose contact should be, as well as whether they should be shaking hands at the same time.
It is a tricky ritual full of potentially embarrassing pitfalls but, regrettably, these considerations appear to have been disregarded as we subject all and sundry to our shores to an “in your face” nasal nudge.
This writer has clocked up many hongis over more than 40 years in journalism but is still trying to master the art of doing them properly.
Perhaps it would be good manners to ask overseas visitors discreetly beforehand whether they wish to hongi or not, rather than just imposing it upon them?
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Comments and questions10
Oh dear Rod - if you still can't master it properly as you say, why not ask someone in Maoridom how to do it properly?
That's one of the points I was making - everytime I've asked someone for advice I've got a different answer.
Oh dear Anonymous - why not ask someone in "Maoridom" why they apparently insist on this practice which most other cultures find extremely unpleasant?
I thought an important part of being a good host was not making your guests feel uneasy or embarrassing them. It seems different rules apply in "Maoridom".
I suspect Sir Tim will be telling people that NZ is an interesting place but they insist on this nose rubbing thing - so if you don't fancy it don't go.
Expect a dramatic reduction in visits by distinguished international figures if they are going to be subjected to this repulsive practice.
And then there's the "runny nose" issue. Do I (or they) wish to exchange goobies?
I don't care how PC it might be. My skin is white, my heritage is European, my culture is Kiwi and I'll never do a hongi ... thanks, all the same. Poor Timbl - another Kiwi cringe moment.
I'm pretty much full Maori on all sides but have never done a hongi and never will. Most unhygenic and embarrassing practice ever invented. Try lurching into a hongi with a native of Liverpool!
Some good points, but we know how difficult it is to change old practices.
As with most things the change will need to come from within; perhaps Tariana and Pita could take the lead?
liberte
I was there at the powhiri for Sir Tim and he was thrilled with it. He stood up and said it was one of the best welcomes he had ever received. Perhapes you should get the facts from the people themselves instead of trying to surmise what they are feeling from images.
It's embarrassing to subject visitors to endless Maori protocols like this. So effing PC it's sickening, not to mention grossly unhealthy.