Eden Park enters Guinness World Records with largest ever haka

Auckland’s Eden Park has made history with thousands of New Zealanders joined together yesterday evening to reclaim the official Guinness World Records™ title for the world’s largest haka.

In a powerful demonstration of national pride and cultural heritage, 6,531 participants gathered at Eden Park on Sunday 29th September to perform Ka Mate, the haka composed by Te Rauparaha, Chief of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

Advising that the event surpassed the previous world record of 4,028 people, held by France since 2014, Eden Park Chief Executive, Nick Sautner reflected “Eden Park has hosted some of the most unforgettable haka and we can now add this one to our history-books.

“Watching thousands of passionate Kiwis from young children to elders perform Ka Mate on our hallowed turf was a truly memorable moment that will be talked about for years to come.

“As New Zealand’s national stadium we are privileged to have been at the heart of this globally historic effort to reclaim a world record that truly belongs to Aotearoa.

“It’s more than just numbers - it’s about honouring our cultural legacy on a global stage”. Funds raised during the event will go to the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, supporting life-changing music therapy services for New Zealanders.”

Speaking yesterday evening, Sautner went on to say “Eden Park is a community asset for Auckland and a strategic asset for New Zealand.

“Tonight’s record-breaking event showcases our commitment to delivering a diverse range of content for our whole community to be part of, while also preserving and celebrating New Zealand's rich cultural heritage and giving back to our community through initiatives such as this one.”

To help celebrate the world record attempt, 16 of New Zealand leading artists provided entertainment during the evening including Alien Weaponry, Anika Moa, Che Fu, Corrella, Georgia Lines, Hollie Smith, Kings, Majic, Paige, PERE, Ria Hall, Rob Ruha, Shepherds Reign, Six60, Tami Neilson and the Topp Twins.

Sautner added “we're immensely proud of what has been achieved today and look forward to continuing to use Eden Park as a venue for bringing our community together and showcasing the very best of New Zealand culture to the world

“Thank you to Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM (Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāi Tūhoe), cultural ambassador for HAKA and co-founder of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust and the team who worked incredibly hard to make this idea a reality.”

In 2018 Eden Park expanded its stadium tour with the addition of an authentic Māori cultural performance and haka workshop.

Images: Participants at Eden Park yesterday evening reclaiming the official Guinness World Records™ title for the world’s largest haka (top) and Eden Park's Nick Sautner, Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM and Guinness World Records™ adjudicator Brian Sobel after last night's record (below, from left).