Auckland’s Eden Park has set a new Guinness World Record after 6,531 people took part in a haka at the stadium on Sunday.
The haka took place on the pitch at Eden Park and surpassed the previous record of 4,028 people, which had been held by France since 2014.
Sunday’s event featured a performance of Ka Mate, the haka composed by Te Rauparaha, chief of the Ngāti Toa Rangatira tribe. Funds raised during the event will go to the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust.
To help celebrate the world record attempt, 16 of New Zealand’s 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.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said: “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.”
Sautner added: “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.”
