This definition of the Maori 'hongi' greeting appears on a New Zealand tourist website:
"Once the formal speeches are over, the hosts physically greet their guests by pressing noses with them. In the hongi (traditional greeting), the ha or breath of life is exchanged and intermingled. Through the exchange of this physical greeting, you are no longer considered manuhiri (visitor) but rather tangata whenua, one of the people of the land."
Tony Blair is pictured greeting a nurse - Mere Selwyn - at an Auckland school.
Captions please...
TONY TO WITCH DOCTOR
Peter Mandelson said this really will really keep my nose from growing?
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 30, 2006 at 10:48
You see, it doesn't grow when I lie.
Posted by: Andrew Woodman | March 30, 2006 at 10:48
the site is showing an "Image not found" error
Posted by: TimC | March 30, 2006 at 10:57
"You know, I remember when Gordon and I use to be this close."
Posted by: Richard | March 30, 2006 at 10:58
1AM - You look at a picture of a Maori nurse and you see "Witch Doctor"? Seriously?
My caption:
"If you don't believe me, look into my eyes."
Posted by: True Blue | March 30, 2006 at 11:01
"image not available"...well, it sums it all up to be honest doesnt it?!
Posted by: James Maskell | March 30, 2006 at 12:33
I'm currently investigating why some of you are getting this "image not available" message...
Posted by: Editor | March 30, 2006 at 13:14
Image is all that's available would be closer to the mark.
Posted by: EU Serf | March 30, 2006 at 15:02
I can clearly distinguish between a Maori nurse and a witch doctor... I was being flippant...
How about
"For once, Tony fails to get up someone's nose..."
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 30, 2006 at 15:23
As its in the mornings papers, we dont need it on the blog. I have not been struck by inspiration yet, except to think he looks a right prat.
Posted by: Annabel Herriott | March 30, 2006 at 16:26
I couldn't do better than EU Serf!
Posted by: Patsy Sergeant | March 30, 2006 at 18:56
I think the image problem has now been corrected! Sorry for the earlier problems...
Posted by: Editor | March 30, 2006 at 23:21
(1) BLAIR: "Don't worry madam, I'm very experienced at rubbing people's noses in it."
(2) WOMAN: "This is all I get for £10,000? How much is the peerage?"
(3) VOICE-OVER: If you've ever wondered what Claire Short gets up to now she isn't in the Cabinet....
Posted by: William Norton | March 30, 2006 at 23:53
I could not POSSIBLY top that William!!!
Posted by: Annabel Herriott | March 31, 2006 at 09:55
Woman - I recommend Listerine, Mr Blair
Posted by: Selsdon Man | April 03, 2006 at 19:58
Exclusive evidence of Cherie Blair's allergic reaction to Humphrey.
Posted by: Daniel Vince-Archer | April 03, 2006 at 20:01
(overheard) I don't care who you are...keep your nose out of my 'business!'
Posted by: Gene Haulenbeek | February 21, 2007 at 15:04