In Māori culture greeting others is very important. It is an opportunity for people to show respect, through the language used and its accompanying actions, and the tone for the interaction is set. Whether the greeting is written or spoken, choosing the appropriate language is important.
Learning to greet people appropriately is key to communication success.
Answer: Not to be confused with a hangi, the hongi is the Maori welcome expressed by the rubbing or touching of noses, something akin to the Western custom of kissing someone by way of greeting.
The literal meaning of "hongi" is the "sharing of breath."
In Māori culture Sir and Madam ("e te rangatira") are only imposed amongst the very elite - where as in English, sir or madam is often used as a generic salutation. It is therefore preferable to use the person's name or a more general title where possible.
The woman who infamously found kia ora offensive is being inundated with the friendly greeting.
Queenstown clothing retailer Bonnie Rodwell is being sent postcards and emails, and receiving a fair few phone calls, where people are saying nothing but 'Kia ora'.
Organisers of the action, dubbed The Kindness of Kia ora, believe it's a fitting way to mark Maori Language Week.
The businesswoman complained about use of the Maori greeting in an email from a sales representative for Travel New Zealand magazine.
Ms Rodwell sent a return email saying it was "plain silly" to be greeted with "kia ora".
"Neither myself or [my office manager] speak Maori. Maybe more people would advertise with you if we were addressed with a little more respect," she wrote.
- Newstalk ZB / Mountain Scene