New Zealand breaks world record for largest mass haka

AFP | Auckland, New Zealand

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New Zealand yesterday reclaimed the world record for the largest mass haka after more than 6,000 people performed the legendary Maori war dance, dethroning France.

The record was broken in deafening fashion at Eden Park rugby stadium in Auckland, where thousands of men, women and children combined on the pitch to complete the traditional native challenge involving vigorous movements, stamping feet and rhythmic shouting.

An adjudicator confirmed 6,531 participants had performed the ‘Ka Mate’ haka, a rendition made famous by the All Blacks rugby team, who perform it immediately before Test matches.

The world record had been held by France since September 2014 when 4,028 people slapped their thighs and bellowed the chant following a rugby match in France Brivela-Gaillarde, southwestern France.

Auckland organisers had hoped for up to 10,000 participants but were nevertheless pleased the record had been reclaimed by New Zealand, where the haka is regarded as a national treasure. “We want to bring the mana (pride) of the haka back home,” Michael Mizrahi, director of the Auckland attempt, told AFP.