In a historic celebration of Māori culture, New Zealand has reclaimed the Guinness World Record for the largest haka performance. On September 29, 2024, over 6,500 participants gathered at Auckland’s Eden Park to perform the traditional Māori war dance, surpassing the previous record of 4,028 set in France in 2014.
The event, organized to honor New Zealand’s cultural heritage and support the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, saw notable figures such as filmmaker Taika Waititi and American television host Conan O’Brien among the performers.
The haka performed, “Ka Mate,” was composed around 1820 by Māori chief Te Rauparaha and has become globally recognized through its association with New Zealand’s national rugby team.
Eden Park’s CEO, Nick Sautner, highlighted the event’s significance, stating that it showcased the unity and cultural pride of New Zealanders.
The successful record attempt not only brought the title back to its homeland but also reinforced the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous traditions.
