Indigenous Maori people in New Zealand have long performed the haka, an ancient dance, to greet and energise warriors before combat.
Regaining the title from France, New Zealand now holds the record for the largest gathering of individuals to execute a haka, a traditional dance performed by the Indigenous Maori people of the country.
The existing record of 4,028 individuals, held by France since 2014, was surpassed by 6,531 people who performed Ka Mate, the haka, according to a statement from Auckland’s Eden Park, which hosted the record attempt on Sunday.
Hinewehi Mohi, HAKA’s cultural ambassador and co-founder of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, told New Zealand’s 1News that “Haka is an important part of our culture and returning the mana (prestige) 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.”
Maori people traditionally used the haka, a traditional dance, to greet new tribes or to energise warriors before combat. Currently, it is primarily renowned for being a part of the New Zealand rugby team’s pre-game routine and is performed during significant events.
While there are numerous haka, the one used in the effort to break the world record is the most well-known. It was written about 1920 by Te Rauparaha, the chief of the Ngati Toa tribe.
At least 10,000 people were expected to attend the event, which served as a fundraiser for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.
The chief executive of Eden Park, Nick Sautner, described witnessing thousands of fervent New Zealanders, ranging in age from toddlers to seniors, perform Ka Mate at the stadium as an absolutely unforgettable experience.
“It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about honoring our cultural legacy globally,” Sautner stated in a statement that was made public late on Sunday.
Of the 5.2 million people living in New Zealand, almost a million are of Maori descent.
