Aotearoa stands together to reclaim Guinness World Records title for world’s largest haka
In a proud and historic moment, Aotearoa New Zealand has reclaimed the Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest haka, with the first official count sitting at 6,531.
Standing side by side, at Eden Park, New Zealand’s National Stadium, passion ran high as the record-breaking crowd performed our best-known haka Ka Mate, composed by Te Rauparaha, chief of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
In the lead up, a number of agencies and artists collaborated on a campaign to encourage participants which has resulted in an incredible result.
“What started as an audacious idea a year ago to reclaim the record has now become reality. There was a lot on the line,” says Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM (Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāi Tūhoe), cultural ambassador for HAKA and co-founder of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust. “Haka is an important part of our culture and returning the mana of this world record away from the French and back to the land of its origins and ensuring it was performed correctly and with integrity was vital.”
“This momentous event has enabled us to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world and reinforce the deep connection we all share. I am so proud to be a New Zealander tonight and hope that everyone can celebrate what we’ve achieved together,” says Dame Hinewehi.
The attempt was officiated by Guinness World Records, adjudicator Brian Sobel, who arrived in Auckland yesterday. In accordance with requirements, a steward from EY New Zealand was assigned to every 50 participants to officiate the attempt and confirm the final number of participants. New Zealand was officially announced as the new record holder just after 8pm NZT.
“At Guinness World Records we strive to make the amazing official, so it is a delight to confirm that the Guinness World Records title for the largest haka has been set here in its rightful home, New Zealand. It has been a pleasure to adjudicate and witness the passion and commitment of everyone involved. Congratulations once again!” says Sobel.
To help celebrate the world record attempt, 16 of New Zealand leading artists provided entertainment during the evening including Alien Weaponry, Anna Coddington, Che Fu, Corrella, Georgia Lines, Hollie Smith, Kings, Majic, Nikau Grace, Paige, PERE, Ria Hall, Rob Ruha, Shepherds Reign, Six60, Tami Neilson and the Topp Twins.
“A special thank you to Six60 for their transcontinental effort of making it back to Aotearoa from Europe in time to play us into the electric record attempt this evening,” says Dame Hinewehi. “We couldn’t have done this without the support of our sponsors, event partners, musicians and everyone who participated and came along to watch.”
The previous record was held by 4,028 men and women, performed 10 years ago in France. The most recent attempt to bring this record home prior to this one was staged in Rotorua in 2017, but due to administrative delays, unfortunately, this attempt was not officially verified by Guinness World Records. Tony Molloy, the organiser of the 2017 event, put his full support behind this momentous attempt.
Nick Sautner, CEO of Eden Park Trust and host of the record-breaking attempt, says, “Some of the most memorable haka in history have taken place on Eden Park’s hallowed turf and now we can add this one to our history books. Our iconic stadium is globally renowned as the spiritual home of sport in Aotearoa – synonymous with awe-inspiring haka and sporting success. We are delighted to have been a part of this special moment, and to have had the privilege of hosting the record attempt. We can now add a Guinness World Record to our pedigree.”
The event was broadcast live by Haka Record’s official broadcast partner Whakaata Māori and livestreamed on Māori+ ensuring all New Zealanders could watch the event.
“While our official Guinness World Records title will show we had 6,531 participants, we also had an estimated 2,500 people join us on a Microsoft Teams call as part of our Haka at Home campaign with participants as far afield as Ireland, Canada and Italy.”
Tonight’s nation-building occasion formed part of the 20th-anniversary celebrations of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, co-founded by Dame Hinewehi and named after her daughter Hineraukatauri.
The funds raised will enable the Trust to continue delivering life-changing music therapy to those who need it most and the event is being staged with the support of multiple agencies and sponsors standing united to reclaim the record.
“As proud supporters of the world record attempt for the largest haka, we at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited have been honoured to get behind this unique celebration of Māori culture,” says Helen Te Hira, Director of Māori Outcomes at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
“Haka, with its collective energy and spirit, embodies the values of whanaungatanga and manaakitanga that are at the heart of our Māori culture. Bringing the record home not only highlights the strength and unity within our communities but also showcases the rich cultural heritage of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on a global stage.”
Text HAKA to 2451 to donate $3 to Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre
Images: Smoke Photo and Video
1 Comment
Just wondered, when did Eden Park become our national stadium given that the four main centres have always had rugby and cricket grounds that host internationals.