By PHILIP ENGLISH
Rehearsals are winding up for the biggest haka in history, at dawn tomorrow on the beach at Okahu Bay.
Close to 2000 Aucklanders of all ages and races have trained for the haka powhiri that will welcome a flotilla led by the Ngati Whatua waka taua, Mahuhu o te Rangi, to the sunrise ceremony.
The flotilla, like the haka, is open to all comers, from Pacific outriggers to kayaks.
It will approach land about sunrise (6.04 am) to the sound of conch shells being blown, a 20-gun Navy salute and a flypast by Air Force jets.
Ngati Whatua has departed from tradition to let women and other races perform the haka. Yesterday, the top Ngati Whatua kapa haka group, Te Puru o Tamaki, was coaching a cosmopolitan mix of Aucklanders of all ages who seemed to be embracing the language and the actions.
"The whole point of the haka is A, it's supposed to be fun, and B, it's not medicine," said Linda Bercusson, of Hegan Productions, the company presenting the event.
"It's about getting involved in a very special moment - the world's biggest haka.
"It will be one of the most televised events in the world ... and the weather map looks promising."
Former TV3 newsreader Neil Waka will be master of ceremonies. Waka, now a kickboxing trainer and fighter based in Denver, Colorado, said he was privileged to be asked to take part.
"I wasn't planning on being in Auckland, but to have people from other cultures from far and wide who want to learn the haka and be involved is pretty exciting."
Linda Bercusson said the event, starting about 4.30 am, would be interactive.
Other participation in the ceremonies and entertainment included the Ratana Brass Band, Dame Malvina Major and the Auckland Pacific Gospel Choir, music groups Te Vaka and Ma V Elle, and puppeteer Jonathon Acorn.
She said it would be wise to arrive as early as possible. The Okahu Bay Domain grass would be fine to sleep on, security would be provided and food would be on sale.
"And the flotilla is open to all. Everybody is welcome. Basically, if you float you can be part of it."
Biggest haka ready to rumble
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