New Zealand reclaims world record for largest mass haka war dance with over 6,000 performers

AUCKLAND – New Zealand on Sept 29 reclaimed the world record for the largest mass haka – a traditional Maori war dance – after more than 6,000 people performed it, dethroning France.

The record was broken in deafening fashion at Eden Park rugby stadium in Auckland, where thousands of men, women and children met on the pitch to complete the traditional native challenge involving vigorous movements, stamping feet and rhythmic shouting.

An adjudicator or official confirmed 6,531 participants performed the Ka Mate haka, a rendition made famous by the All Blacks rugby team, who perform it immediately before Test matches.

The world record had been held by France since September 2014, when 4,028 people slapped their thighs and bellowed the chant following a rugby match in Brive-la-Gaillarde of south-western France.

Auckland organisers had hoped for up to 10,000 participants but were nevertheless pleased the record has been reclaimed by New Zealand, where the haka is regarded as a national treasure.

“We want to bring the mana (pride) of the haka back home,” Mr Michael Mizrahi, director of the Auckland attempt, said.

“It’s not just that we want to take it off the French. It’s like a national treasure that somebody has taken from us. It’s got enormous meaning for us as New Zealanders.

“Some things should be culturally sacred.”

Previous attempts involving crowds of more than 5,000 on New Zealand soil failed because Guinness World Records officials did not ratify them, Mr Mizrahi said.

This time around, an adjudicator was flown to Auckland.

The Ka Mate haka was composed around 1820 by warrior chief Te Rauparaha to celebrate his escape from a rival tribe’s pursuing war party.

Under New Zealand law, a Maori tribe, the Ngati Toa, based in Porirua just outside Wellington, are recognised as the cultural guardians of the Ka Mate haka. AFP