The haka is at the heart of our culture here in Aotearoa, so tell me why we aren’t the holders of the Guinness World Record for the largest performance?
The French are currently flaunting the title with a record of 4,028 people performing the haka back in 2014, but that all could be about to change at ‘HAKA’.
With the blessing of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Kiwis will take to Auckland’s Eden Park on Sunday, 29th September for our turn to break the record.
The plan is to get 10,000 Kiwis on the field, all performing ‘Ka Mate’, the legendary haka by Te Rauparaha of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
You’ll need a ticket to join the action and help bring the record home, but all funds are going to a fab cause - the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.
Raukatauri are the providers of NZ’s only dedicated music therapy centres giving Kiwis top-notch, accessible music therapy services that transform lives.
“'HAKA' is more than just an event,” says Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM (Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāi Tūhoe), co-founder of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.
“Haka is a unique symbol of Aotearoa, it is undeniably ours and it is recognised and revered around the world,” she added. “It’s a massive statement of national pride, cultural heritage, unity, and an epic chance to snatch back the record from the French.”
They’re also promising a bunch of mystery guests, including some of Aotearoa’s most celebrated musicians, sporting icons and kapa haka legends.
Backing the event is none other than former All Black Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford and he’s pumped to lead the haka once again.
“As I stand on the field at Eden Park to reclaim the title for the largest haka, I know I will be reminded of the pride I felt on the same grounds at the 1987 Rugby World Cup final,” he said.
He added: “Just as I led a haka then, I know we will lead Aotearoa to bring a Guinness World Records title back home where it belongs.”
Will you be going along? You might just be able to call yourself a world record-breaker.
