WELLINGTON (Askume) – New Zealand has regained the world record for the largest number of people performing the haka (traditional Maori dance) in France.
A statement from Auckland’s Eden Park, the venue of the record-breaking challenge, said on Sunday that 6,531 people danced the kama (haka), breaking the previous record of 4,028 set in France in 2014.
Haka Cultural Ambassador and Haka co-founder, Hinewehi Mohi, said: “The haka is an important part of our culture and it’s important to bring the prestige of this world record back to our country from France and ensure it is performed correctly and completely.
The haka is a traditional dance of the Maori people and was traditionally a way to welcome the arrival of tribesmen or inspire warriors before battle. It is now performed on important occasions, most notably the pre-match ceremonies of the New Zealand rugby team.
There are many types of haka, but the most famous is the haka performed in world record attempts and was created around 1920 by the Ngāti Toa iwi, or tribal chief, Te Rauparaha.
Organisers of the event hope at least 10,000 people will attend the event, which will also raise funds for the Rauktauri Music Therapy Trust.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said it was an unforgettable moment to see thousands of enthusiastic New Zealanders, from young children to senior citizens, flock to the stadium to perform “Ka Mate”.
“This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about honoring our cultural heritage on a global stage,” Sautner said in a statement released late Sunday.
About one million of New Zealand’s 5.2 million people are of Māori descent.
