World-Famous, Royalty & Celebs Line Up for Maori Hongi From Tiger Woods, Tua, Elle, Tom Cruise to Prince William

After supermodel Tyra Banks visited New Zealand, and received a traditional Maori hongi, we went in search of other celebs and world-famous people, as well as homegrown varieties, who have also received a hongi in front of the media’s lenses.

Here’s what we found from the past and the present:

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In happier days? NEW ZEALAND, 8th January 2002: Golfing sensation Tiger Woods hongis (traditional Maori greeting) with Kuia Mereiwa Broughton during an official Maori welcome (Powhiri) at Wellington airport, after Woods flew into New Zealand to play in the Telstra Hyundai New Zealand Open Golf Tournament at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf club. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images).

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(same event) Tiger Woods rubs noses  with Glenys Turu  as he arrives at Wellington airport for the New Zealand Open Golf tournament. (Photo by The Dominion/Getty Images)

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 29, 2007: David Beckham of the LA Galaxy receives a Hongi (Maori Greeting) from a member of a Maori welcoming Kapa Haka group as he arrives at Wellington airport  in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images).

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 29, 2007: An interesting photo this one. David Beckham of the LA Galaxy gives Mayor of Wellington Kerry Predergast a Hongi (Maori greeting) as he arrives at Wellington Airport in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)

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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 16, 2000: World heavyweight boxing contender David Tua is welcomed home with a Hongi by Kylie Kemp from Clover Park Middle School in Otara, on his arrival at Auckland International Airport, Thursday night. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)

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HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 03, 2009: Sugar Ray Leonard exchanges a Hongi, the traditional Maori greeting, with John Haunui after being welcomed to SKYCITY on September 3, 2009 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images).

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Sugar Ray Leonard exchanges a Hongi, the traditional Maori greeting, with Pahu Muru of Turangawaiwai.

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APRIL 15, 2004: World rally champion Petter Solberg (Norway) Hongis (traditional Maori greeting) with a warrior, Wednesday 15, at the ceremonial start to the Propecia 2004 Rally Of New Zealand, at the Manukau City Super Special Stage. The event is a round of the World Rally championship. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images).


We Can Only Imagine What These Warriors Are Thinking

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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 29,: Austalian super model Elle MacPherson Hongi’s (traditional Maori welcome) with Lincoln Savage from the Te Mataarae o Rehua Maori culture group from Rotorua upon her arrival at Auckland International Airport.MacPherson is in New Zealand for several days on a promotional visit. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).

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Mission Impossible?

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NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 11, 2003: Hollywood super star Tom Cruise performs a hongi (traditional Maori welcome) with Wahine (Maori woman) Alice Pomare, during a Powhiri prior to a press conference for the ‘Last Samurai’ movie. Cruise flew into New Zealand last Monday and will begin filming on location in various parts of the Taranaki province in the North Island of New Zealand.FOTROPRESS. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images)

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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JUNE 17: The Dalai Lama (R) is welcomed with a Hongi (a Maori greeting with a press of the nose) by Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard at the Vector Arena on June 17, 2007 in Auckland, New Zealand. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, spiritual leader to millions of Buddhists around the world, is in New Zealand on a three day visit to give public talks and public teachings. (Photo by Sandra Mu/Getty Images).

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – MAY 27, 2002: The Dalai Lama at the Pipitea Marae in Wellington Hongi’s (Traditional Maori Welcome by touching of noses) Symon Knuckey of the Te Roopu Kapahaka O Waitaira as friends look on. The Dalai Lama arrived in Wellington, today, Monday and is on a brief tour of New Zealand. (Photo by Robert Patterson/Getty Images).

Like Mother, Like Son Beautiful

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NEW ZEALAND – JULY 05, 2005: His Royal Highness Prince William is greeted by Auckland District Health Board member John Retimama with a Hongi (pressing of noses) on the Princes’ official visit to Auckland Starship children’s hospital, Tuesday. (Photo by Ross Land/Getty Images).

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Princess Diana (1961 – 1997) receives a traditional Maori nose-rubbing greeting, or Hongi, during a visit to the Te Poho-o-Rawiri Marae in Gisborne, New Zealand, 24th April 1983. The princess is wearing a blue silk suit by Catherine Walker. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images).

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NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 07, 2005: His Royal Highness Prince Charles hongis (traditional maori welcome) with Lieutenant Tamahou Ripia on the Royal New Zealand Navy on his arrival at Government House, Wellington, New Zealand, Monday, March 07, 2005. Prince Charles is making a five day visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Ross Setford/Getty Images)

Royalty Every Which Way

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ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 17, 2007: Prince Andrew, Duke of York (R) hongis with Sir Howard Morrison (L) as he attends a ceremony to honour the gallantry of Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi, at Te Papiouru Marae, Ohinemutu on the third day of his seven day visit to New Zealand, on March 17, 2007 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Manahi was not awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions at Takrouna Ridge in North Africa in 1943 during World War II, despite recommendations that his gallantry warranted the highest award for valour. This year, the government, working with Te Arawa, the Manahi VC Committee, and Buckingham Palace, announced that it would hold a special ceremony to recognise Lance Sergeant Manahi?s deeds, and The Queen expressed her admiration for his bravery The presence of the Duke at the ceremony reflects her wish to be personally associated with the initiatives to recognise his gallantry. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 16, 2007: Prince Andrew, Duke of York receives a Hongi (Maori greeting) from WO 1st class George Purvis during a visit to the Trentham Military Camp on the second day of his seven day visit to New Zealand, on March 16, 2007 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images).

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ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 17, 2007: Prince Andrew, Duke of York (R) hongis with a local Kaumatua as he attends a ceremony to honour the gallantry of Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi, at Te Papiouru Marae, Ohinemutu on the third day of his seven day visit to New Zealand, on March 17, 2007 in Rotorua, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).

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PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 29, 2005: Prince Andrew, Duke of York (R), gets a Maori greeting (Hongi) from the Minister of Defence Hon. Mark Burton during a Powhiri (welcome) and reviewing the parade at Linton Army base September 29, 2005 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The Duke of York is in Palmerston North as part of a 5 day visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)

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Prince Andrew, Duke of York, gets a Maori greeting (Hongi) from Major General Jerry Mateparae of the armed forces during a Powhiri (welcome) and reviewing of the parade at Linton Army base September 29, 2005 in Palmerston North, New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 04, 2009: HRH, The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward is given a Hongi (Maori greeting) by Tawai Frost during a welcome at Sacred Heart College on November 4, 2009 Wellington, New Zealand. HRH, The Earl of Wessex Prince Edward is in New Zealand to discuss the future direction of The Duke of Edinburgh Award program. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images).

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CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 17, 2008: HRH Princess Anne, Princess Royal receives a Hongi (Maori Greeting) from Sgt. Isaac Davis during a visit to the Royal New Zealand Corps of Signals and Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps at Burnham Military Camp  in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Martin Hunter/Getty Images)

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – DECEMBER 03, 2009: (L-R) His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, Samoa’s recently appointed Head of State receives a Hongi (Maori greeting) from Rangitihi Tahuparae during a Maori welcome ceremony at Government House on December 3, 2008 in Wellington, New Zealand. Tuiatua, who became Samoan Head of State in June, is on a week long visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images).

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Her Highness Masiofo Filifilia Tamasese receives a Hongi (Maori Greeting) from Sergeant Aaron Taikato during a Maori welcome ceremony at Government House on December 3, 2008 in Wellington, New Zealand. Tamasese’s husband His Highness Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi, who became Samoan Head of State in June, is on a week long visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Marty Melville/Getty Images)

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – JUNE 23, 2009: HRH King Juan Carlos of Spain (L) shares a traditional Maori greeting of a hongi with Maori elder Gerrard Albert (R) during a visit to New Zealand on June 23, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand.

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HRH Queen Sofia of Spain (L) shares a traditional Maori greeting of a hongi with Maori elder Rose Tahuparae (R) during a visit to New Zealand on June 23, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand. The Royal couple are undertaking two days of official engagements in New Zealand before heading to Australia on Wednesday. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).

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HRH Queen Sofia of Spain (L) shares a traditional Maori greeting of a hongi with Maori elder Gerrard Albert (R).

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HRH King Juan Carlos (R) shares a traditional Maori greeting of a hongi with Kukupa Tirikatene (L) at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa during a visit to New Zealand on June 23, 2009 in Wellington, New Zealand.

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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 23, 2002: HRH Princess Mathilde Hongi’s (Traditional Maori welcome by touching of noses) with a member of the Maori welcome party during the welcoming ceremony held at the Hilton Hotel, Saturday. Prince Philippe, Crown Prince of Belgium and Princess Mathilde are on a four day visit to New Zealand. (Photo by Dean Purcell/Getty Images).

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HRH Prince Philippe, Crown Prince of Belgium Hongi’s (Traditional Maori welcome by touching of noses) with Sir Hugh Kawharu during the welcoming ceremony.

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HRH Prince Philippe, Crown Prince of Belgium Hongi’s (Traditional Maori welcome by touching of noses) with Maori welcome party member Te Arana Wihongi during the welcoming ceremony.

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We know Clinton isn’t royalty. But what the heck. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – SEPTEMBER 11, 1999: The President of the United States, Bill Clinton hongi’s with Georgina Te Heuheu after his arrival in New Zealand for the APEC conference, Saturday. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images).

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OFFICIALLY Pavarotti may not be royalty but his voice certainly was and is. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 17, 1999: Luciano Pavarotti and preformer Ricky Northcroft hongi during a welcoming celemony for Pavarotti at the Sheraton Hotel, Wednesday. (Photo by Sav Schulman/Getty Images)

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United Nations Climate Change Conference: Political Report from the Ground

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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK : Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales (C) seated between UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon (L) and Yvo de Boer Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change await the start of the opening ceremony of the High Level Segment of The United Nations Climate Change Conference on December 15, 2009 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Politicians and environmentalists are meeting for the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 that runs until December 18. Some of the participating nation’s leaders will attend the last days of the summit. (Photo by Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images)

An on-the-ground view from Charles Chauvel, a New Zealand Member of Parliament, who is currently in Copenhagen attending the UN Climate Change Summit. Chauvel, a lawyer of Tahitian and Scottish descent, is the Climate Change Spokesperson for the Labour Opposition. He has given pacificEyeWitness.org permission to publish his post here.

COP15 – What will come of Copenhagen?

By Charles Chauvel in Copenhagen

Day 4 for me today.  Yesterday, the developing nations staged a walkout from the negotiations.  This was largely to dramatise their concern about the developed world’s unwillingness to taken on meaningful pollution reduction targets.  After negotiations were suspended, there was a lot of discussion over what would happen here over the four days of the Conference that remain. To simplify massively, there are four big sticking points in the way of reaching a comprehensive agreement –  the targets each country adopts; the level of compensation to be paid to developing countries; the best way to measure and police each nation’s emissions; and how the Copenhagen agreement takes over from the Kyoto Protocol.

Based on what veterans of the process have been saying, the consensus is that there are four alternative scenarios for how the week will end up:

1. A comprehensive agreement with detailed rules. Unfortunately, given the complexity of the issues that remain to be agreed, and the fact that the US is not a party to the Kyoto Protocol, but is the key player in terms of making commitments for its replacement, this seems virtually impossible.  The US has only really been engaging since President Obama’s coming into office in January, and although considerable progress has been made, including developing countries voluntarily agreeing to some fairly impressive emissions reduction targets, an enormous amount of detail still has to be resolved.

2. A political framework with minimal detail. This seems to be the best outcome that can be hoped for.  Under it, countries will agree to a set of principles and goals that lack final numbers, with those numbers being negotiated in the two years between now and the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol.  This is in fact how Kyoto itself came about – in 1995, countries agreed the “Berlin Mandate” which two years later became the detailed set of rules we now know as the Protocol.

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Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore listens to speakers at the opening ceremony of the High Level Segment of The United Nations Climate Change Conference.

3. A ‘greenwash’ agreement. Under this scenario, countries paper over their many disagreements but fail to make and real progress, or agree further steps.  A high level statement of concern, but no agreed timetable for concrete actions, would be the outcome.  In many ways, the worst possible outcome because it would take huge effort to get things back on track.

4. A dramatic failure. Developing nations,especially small island states at risk of devastation from climate change,  frustrated at a lack of commitment from wealthy countries, walk out of the negotiations permanently because they won’t agree to a greenwash.  Some new framwork would need to be found going forward, potentially via individual UN bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organisation on land use change and forestry, and International Martime Organisation and IATA on bunker fuels.

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Delegation from Bhutan awaits the start of the opening ceremony of the High Level Segment of The United Nations Climate Change Conference.

The NZ officials from MFAT, MFE and MAF are really well thought of here – as opposed to the political leaders from NZ.  The officials are seen as having worked hard for many years on the technical issues at stake, and have a reputation for diligence, honesty and integrity.  Thank goodness for them, even if they make our current Government look better than it deserves.  It would not surprise me if the officials end up playing an important role in brokering any forward deal.  Hopefully there will be one!