New Zealand has reclaimed the world record for the largest haka, a traditional Māori dance, from France. On Sunday, 6,531 people gathered at Auckland’s Eden Park to perform “Ka Mate,” the most famous haka, surpassing the previous record of 4,028 set by France in 2014.
The event, organized to raise funds for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, was an opportunity to honor Māori culture. Hinewehi Mohi, cultural ambassador for HAKA, emphasized the importance of performing the haka with integrity and bringing the record back to its origins.
The haka, originally used to welcome visiting tribes or motivate warriors, is now a prominent part of New Zealand’s cultural identity, especially through its association with the country’s rugby teams. “Ka Mate” was composed by Te Rauparaha, chief of the Ngāti Toa tribe, around 1920 and has since become world-renowned.
While organizers hoped for 10,000 participants, the record-breaking crowd was still an impressive sight. Eden Park’s chief executive, Nick Sautner, called the event a powerful display of cultural pride, saying, “It’s more than just numbers – it’s about honoring our cultural legacy on a global stage.”
With almost a million people in New Zealand having Māori ancestry, this event showcased the strong connection between the country’s indigenous roots and its modern-day identity.
