Eden Park makes history as GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ World’s Largest Haka is performed on the hallowed turf

New Zealand’s national stadium, Eden Park has yet again made history as thousands of New Zealanders joined together in unity on the iconic stadium’s hallowed turf to reclaim the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the world’s largest haka.

In a powerful demonstration of national pride and cultural heritage, 6531 participants gathered at Eden Park on Sunday 29 September, which is also known as The Fortress, to perform Ka Mate, the haka composed by Te Rauparaha, chief of Ngāti Toa Rangatira, surpassing the current record of 4,028 people, held by France since 2014.

Nick Sautner, Eden Park Chief Executive reflects on the significance of this event: “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.

Sautner adds, “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.

“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,” said Sautner. “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.”