New Zealanders are being called to unite for an attempt to reclaim the official Guinness World Record title for the world’s largest haka.
The record is currently held by France after 4028 men and women performed a haka in 2014.
An attempt of returning the haka world record to Aotearoa New Zealand was performed in Rotorua in 2017 but was not officiated by Guinness World Records.
Dame Hinewehi Mohi, music legend and event ambassador, is determined to bring the record home.
“I just think it's important, really important for us to bring our cultural icon back to Aotearoa in recognition of the Guinness World Record for the largest haka so it's an important thing for us as the guardians of our cultural heritage,” she says.
Organisers hope to attract up to 10,000 people of all cultural backgrounds to take part in the event at Eden Park, in Auckland, on September 29, where they will be performing world-renowned haka, Ka Mate, by Ngāti Toa Rangatira chief, Te Rauparaha.
"The taonga that Ngāti Toa is allowing us to share with Aotearoa and the world for this incredible event and for all those who love music and love our cultural icon, the haka,"Mohi said.
Raised funds from the event will be donated to the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, a centre established by Mohi and dedicated to her daughter, Hineraukatauri who has cerebral palsy.
A website has been launched and the record attempt will be officially adjudicated by Guinness World Records.
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