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Eden Park enters Guinness World Records with largest ever haka

Eden Park enters Guinness World Records with largest ever haka
September 30, 2024

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).

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7th March 2024 - Tokyo light and sound experience makes it into Guinness World Records

23rd February 2024 - University of Auckland and Eden Park agree strategic partnership

30th January 2024 - Eden Park achieves record-breaking financial results in past year

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17th September 2023 - Eden Park looks back on 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup success

17th July 2023 - France and New Zealand’s Eden Park brands unite

4th July 2023 - Eden Park appoints new operations General Manager

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28th April 2023 - Concepts revealed for redevelopment of Auckland’s Eden Park into roofed sport and entertainment arena

5th August 2022 - Eden Park takes a lead on handling vaping in crowds

25th June 2022 - Auckland Council rejects Eden Park Trust’s application for new grant funding

1st February 2022 - Eden Park annual report reflects on year of ‘extreme highs and lows’

21st December 2021 - Eden Park becomes Australasia’s first stadium to earn renowned WELL Health-Safety seal

27th September 2021 - Guns N’ Roses to be first international band to play at Auckland’s Eden Park

3rd August 2021 - Changed Bledisloe Cup schedule will see Eden Park host two tests

27th July 2021 - Eden Park will host first Bledisloe Cup test with Wallabies granted travel exemption for New Zealand trip

29th June 2021 - Pollstar recognises Auckland’s Eden Park as world’s number one stadium

2nd January 2020 - Ras Al Khaimah’s New Year’s Eve Gala secures two Guinness World Records

25th February 2019 - Eden Park to host Te Matatini national kapa haka festival 2021

6th November 2018 - Eden Park to launch Haka Experience tour


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