New Zealand has regained the world record for the largest mass Haka, with approximately 6,500 participants performing the traditional Māori dance at Eden Park in Auckland on Sunday.
This event surpassed the previous record set by France in 2014, which had 4,028 participants.
The Haka, originally a ceremonial war dance meant to challenge opponents, is now a celebration of Māori culture and unity, often performed at significant occasions, including sports events, notably by the national rugby team, the All Blacks.
New record: Largest haka – 6,466 people organised by the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust
The Haka is a performative dance native to the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/vocUMWe5eA
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) September 30, 2024
Nick Sautner, Chief Executive of Eden Park, emphasized that the event goes beyond mere numbers, as it serves to honor New Zealand’s cultural legacy on a global stage.
The participants showcased the Haka’s intensity through stomping, vocal expressions, and dramatic facial gestures.
To meet the record requirement, they performed the well-known Ka Mate routine four times in a row. Despite the celebration, the Māori community continues to face discrimination, leading to health and education disparities.
Recent protests have erupted in response to the government’s proposed changes that threaten Māori health initiatives and language use, further highlighting ongoing challenges for the Māori population, which constitutes nearly 20% of New Zealand’s population.
#MaltaDaily
