New Zealand Reclaims Record for Largest Haka Dance – Reuters

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – New Zealand has reclaimed the world record for the largest haka performance, a traditional dance of the indigenous Māori, surpassing the previous record set by France.

Eden Park in Auckland hosted the record attempt on Sunday, where a total of 6,531 individuals performed the haka known as Ka Mate. This achievement exceeded the prior record of 4,028 participants, which France had held since 2014.

Hinewehi Mohi, a cultural ambassador for the haka and co-founder of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, emphasized the cultural significance of the event, stating, “Haka is an important part of our culture. Returning the mana (prestige) of this world record away from the French and back to the land of its origins, ensuring it was performed correctly and with integrity, was vital.”

The haka, originally performed by Māori to greet visiting tribes or to bolster warriors before battle, has become a ceremonial performance at significant events and is famously associated with New Zealand’s rugby teams as part of their pre-game rituals.

Different haka exist, but the version performed for the world record is among the most recognized, composed around 1920 by Te Rauparaha, a chief of the Ngāti Toa iwi.

Event organizers had aimed for a turnout of at least 10,000 participants, with proceeds from the event benefiting the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.

Nick Sautner, the chief executive of Eden Park, described the experience of witnessing thousands of enthusiastic New Zealanders, from children to elders, perform Ka Mate as a truly unforgettable moment. He stated, “It’s more than just numbers – it’s about honoring our cultural legacy on a global stage.”

Nearly 1 million of New Zealand’s 5.2 million inhabitants have Māori ancestry.