Watch: New Guinness World Record for largest haka set at Auckland’s Eden Park after over 6500 participate

Multimedia Journalist·NZ Herald·

29 Sep, 2024 07:40 AM5 mins to read

A new Haka world record was set tonight, at Auckland's Eden Park Stadium. Bringing the crown back home where it belongs.

A Guinness World Record for the largest haka has officially been set tonight at Auckland’s Eden Park, with over 6500 participants recorded.

Thousands of Kiwis and tourists flocked to the Mount Eden stadium in a bid to break the previous record held by the French since 2014.

The attempt occurred shortly after 8pm tonight and was led in by a performance by Kiwi band Six60.

Guinness World Record adjudicator Brian Sobel, who travelled from Sydney to attend the attempt, confirmed after the event that the official count, subject to a review, was 6531.

“We are confident that we have a large number and it might change a little bit but it will be close to that,” Sobel said.

New Zealand haka organisers were hoping at least 10,000 participants would turn up for the attempt.

From left; Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner, Dame Hinewehi Mohi and Guinness World Record adjudicator Brian Sobel with the Guinness World Record for the largest haka. Photo / Ben Plummer

“Haka is more than just an event. It is a powerful statement of national pride, cultural heritage, unity and a landmark occasion to create a new world record and reclaim the title from the current holders, the French,” said Dame Hinewehi Mohi, DNZM (Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāi Tūhoe), cultural ambassador for HAKA and 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. Yet the official Guinness World Records title for the world’s largest haka is held by 4028 men and women, performed 10 years ago in France.”

Former boxer David Tua and actor Taika Waititi were among a number of famous Kiwis in attendance this evening.

US TV star Conan O’Brien was also seen in an Eden Park back room alongside Waititi ahead of world record attempt.

Six60 lead singer Matiu Walters told the Herald we “can’t allow” the French to hold the record.

“Should be pretty cool to smash the record. It’s a pretty cool turnout,” Walters said.

A new Guinness World Record for the largest haka is officially set at Eden Park on September 29, 2024. Photo / Supplied

Earlier tonight, Sobel said it felt “absolutely fantastic” to be present at Eden Park.

“We see a lot of different Guinness World Records ranging from one person to almost 10,000 or however many are here. It’s pretty exciting,” he said.

Sobel said he “sincerely” hoped he would be handing out a new record plaque today.

“I always hope for a record.”

He said “on paper” the organisers had done everything in their power and followed all the rules.

“Right now we just need to get them on the field and we need to get the count.”

He said for a “mass participation record” like tonight, there needed to be one representative per 50 participants.

“It’s not just about them getting on the field and being there.”

He said there were over 200 representatives in attendance tonight who were independent from the organisers.

He said if someone didn’t complete the haka, they would be disqualified.

“It doesn’t mean the record is disqualified, it just means they are taken away from the final number.”

Sobel said if 10% of participants don’t participate, they can disqualify the overall attempt.

The haka was required to last for one minute, so the crowd performed Ka Mate four times.

Thousands flocked to Eden Park for the world record haka attempt. Photo / NZME

Riku Otono, 26, (second from right) from Japan told the Herald he and six other friends from University of Auckland were “very excited”. Photo / Ben Plummer

US TV star Conan O’Brien seen at Eden Park alongside Taika Waititi ahead of world record haka attempt. Photo / NZ Herald

Riku Otono, 26, from Japan told the Herald he and six other friends from University of Auckland were “very excited” about the attempt.

“Our friend group is very diverse, we come from Japan, China, Portugal, India, so we came to further experience New Zealand culture,” Otono said.

“I’m so proud to be a part of this event.”

One Auckland resident said they were “pretty excited” about participating in the world record attempt as they filtered into Eden Park around 6pm today.

“Especially to be a part of history in a way and I’m also glad that they’re embracing Māori culture because that’s really important,” they said.

“It’s also a way to make our Sunday a bit different.”

Another participant said they were feeling “very nervous but elated” ahead of the attempt:

“We just wanted to be part of history. It might never happen again.”

They said they had been practising all week.

“This is about more than just setting the record straight. It is about returning the mana of this world record to the land of its origins, and we will be doing it alongside some of Aotearoa’s most celebrated musicians, sporting icons and kapa haka legends,” Mohi said.

The record attempt was supported by former All Black captain Wayne “Buck” Shelford, who is credited with reviving Ka Mate, when the decision was made to perform it at home in time for the first Rugby World Cup in 1987.

“As I stand on the field at Eden Park to reclaim a Guinness World Records 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 against France. Just as I led a haka then, and the team won 29-9 against the French all those years ago, I know we will lead Aotearoa to bring a Guinness World Records title back home where it belongs,” said Shelford.

Haka participants filing onto the Eden Park outer oval. Photo / Ben Plummer

All Blacks captain Buck Shelford leads the haka. Photo / Photosport

To warm up the crowd, organisers h the cream of New Zealand talent, with live performances from 16 of Aotearoa’s finest musicians:

Gates opened at 4.30pm, with the first performer gracing the stage at 6pm. The full line-up, appearing in alphabetical order, was:

• Alien Weaponry

• Anika Moa

• Che Fu

• Corrella

• Georgia Lines

• Hollie Smith

• Kings

• Majic

• Paige

• PERE

• Ria Hall

• Rob Ruha

• Shepherds Reign

• Six60

• Tami Neilson

• Topp Twins

The “nation-building occasion” is part of the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, co-founded by Dame Hinewehi and named after her daughter Hineraukatauri. Funds raised will enable the trust to continue delivering life-changing music therapy.