Aotearoa's back on top, reclaiming the Guinness World Record for the largest haka.
Around 10,000 Kiwis packed onto the field at Eden Park in Tāmaki Makaurau - some in the stands and others via a live video call - to perform Ka Mate by Te Rauparaha, chief of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
The record-breaking attempt, officiated by Guinness World Records adjudicator Brian Sobel, smashed the previous record of 4,028 participants set in France back in 2014.
The official count was still up in the air on Sunday night, but early numbers came in at 6,531.
“We also had an estimated 2,500 people join us on a Microsoft Teams call as part of our Haka at Home campaign,” said Nick Sautner, CEO of Eden Park Trust.
To secure the record, the haka had to be performed for one minute, so the crowd delivered Ka Mate four times in a row.
“Ka pai te mahi Aotearoa! You did it! The Guinness World record for the largest Haka is finally where it belongs,” one X user celebrated.
Another added: “So proud!!! This is who we are as a country, United together!!
“That was amazing,” a third said having watched the attempt. “Just gotta love the passion, the language and the people.”
Dame Hinewehi Mohi, cultural ambassador for HAKA and co-founder of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, shared her excitement: “What started as an audacious idea a year ago to reclaim the record has now become reality. There was a lot on the line.”
“This momentous event has enabled us to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world and reinforce the deep connection we all share,” she added.
I am so proud to be a New Zealander and hope that everyone can celebrate what we’ve achieved together.
The haka event kicked off with Kiwi artists like Six60, Paige, Rob Ruha, Alien Weaponry, Che Fu, Kings, and the Topp Twins hyping up the crowd, while celebs like Taika Waititi, boxer David Tua, and American TV host Conan O’Brien were spotted on the field.
Aotearoa aced it! Now, what’s the next record we can smash?
