Māori customs

Māori customs are traditional practices rooted in New Zealand’s indigenous culture, emphasizing respect, community, and connection to nature. Key customs include *hongi*, a ceremonial greeting where noses and foreheads touch to share breath and acknowledge shared life force, and *māori tikanga*, or protocols, guiding respectful behavior. The *powhiri* is a welcoming ceremony involving song, dance (*haka*), and speeches. Tā moko refers to traditional facial and body tattoos that signify identity and social status. These customs reflect Māori values of mana (prestige), tapu (sacredness), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship), shaping interactions and cultural identity.