New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has warned coronavirus might bring an end to the iconic Maori greeting, the hongi.
Mr Peters, a Ngati wai iwi member and the most senior Maori in Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's government, made the suggestion on Tuesday as New Zealand considers the reintroduction of social norms.
"One of the things you've got to have regard for is whether the hongi in this circumstance is ever going to come back again," he said on Tuesday.
Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, says it's time to rethink the traditional Maori greeting. Source: AAP
"There's a famous old saying which says that cultures that don't adapt, die.
"We've got to be oh so, so careful.
"Our lives and all people's lives are on the line here.
"In terms of colds, flus, influenza and COVID-19, it surely makes sense for us to consider it."
Mr Peters referenced the devastating impact of the Spanish Flu in New Zealand a century ago, when Maori died at rates "eight times" that of the Pakeha (European) population.
The world-famous nose-pressing practice, like all social interactions, has been on ice during New Zealand's lockdown due to fears it could spread the coronavirus.
The government has included the Maori practice in its lockdown advertising, plastering posters across the country with the statement "do not shake hands, kiss hello or hongi".
Labour's deputy leader Kelvin Davis, a Ngati manu iwi member and the Maori-Crown Relations Minister, backed the reintroduction of the practice, within time.
"There will always be a place in Maori society for the hongi," he said.
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex greeting locals during a 2018 visit to New Zealand. Source: Chris Jackson Collection
"It's up to Maori to decide when it would be appropriate to reintroduce ... to go back to our traditional ways."
Ms Ardern agreed, saying it was up to community leaders to decide on their own 'tikanga', or cultural practice.
"I have seen iwi leaders, actually determine for themselves how they are going to keep their people safe, and what they wish to do with cultural practice in this environment," she said.
"I give complete support to that and have complete faith in them."
Opposition leader Simon Bridges, the first Maori man to hold the National party leadership, joined his Labour rivals to support the hongi's return.
"There's still absolutely a place for hongi," he said.
Prince William greets New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
"Just as there is for hugs and kisses between family members and loved ones.
"I accept we're in special circumstances now and we are seeing our freedoms gradually given back to us but I reject the idea that this is a permanent position where loved ones, family and whanau, can't embrace in the future."
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