World’s Largest Haka to take place at Eden Park

In a remarkable demonstration of honouring our heritage, New Zealanders are being called to stand as a nation to reclaim an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the world’s largest Haka. This momentous occasion is set to take place at Eden Park on Sunday 29 September.

“Some of the most memorable haka in history have taken place on Eden Park’s hallowed turf,” says Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner. “Our iconic stadium is known all around the world as the spiritual home of sport in Aotearoa – synonymous with awe-inspiring haka and sporting success.

“We are delighted to be hosting this special moment, as New Zealand looks to reclaim the world record and unify the nation through haka.”

This world record attempt will be officially adjudicated by Guinness World Records, with 10,000 tickets available to perform our best-known haka Ka Mate, composed by Te Rauparaha, chief of Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

“HAKA is more than just an event,” says Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM (Ngāti Kahungunu/Ngāi Tūhoe) cultural ambassador for HAKA and co-founder of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Centre.  “It is a powerful statement of national pride, cultural heritage, unity and a landmark occasion to create a new world record and reclaim the title from the current holders, the French.”

“This is about more than just setting the record straight. It is about returning the mana of this world record to the land of its origins, and we will be doing it alongside some of Aotearoa’s most celebrated musicians, sporting icons and kapa haka legends,” says Dame Hinewehi Mohi.

It is anticipated that around 10,000 New Zealanders of all cultural backgrounds will come together at Eden Park on 29 September to not only reclaim the title but also to raise funds for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust. These funds will enable the Trust to continue delivering life-changing music therapy to those who need it most and the event is being staged with the support of multiple agencies and sponsors standing united to reclaim the record.

“Haka is an opportunity for Eden Park to celebrate our unique cultural heritage and identity, and we are honoured to provide a place for our people to come together and perform Ka Mate strong and proud,” Sautner adds.

“Eden Park is a community asset for Auckland and a strategic asset for New Zealand. Over the past five years, we have evolved to be a truly hybrid multi-purpose stadium delivering a diverse range of events from sports matches and community events to major concerts. The venue is also known for setting records – most recently, setting attendance records for women’s sport at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. We would invite everyone to join us at Eden Park as we look to break more records through haka.”

How to Register:

To register as one of the 10,000 enthusiastic participants at Eden Park, New Zealand’s national stadium, to stand as a nation in this historic occasion please visit: www.hakarecord.co.nz.

Participant tickets are $35 per adult, $25 for concessions, however the first 5,000 participants receive an early bird price of $25 and $15 respectively.

Spectator tickets are available at $30 for adults and $20 for concessions to witness this historic event.

HAKA is a family-friendly and accessible event.

HAKA will be a live-streamed event staged at the iconic Eden Park, involving cultural ambassadors, sports teams, schools, kapa haka, and community groups to create a special moment in our nation’s history.

For more information on Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust and to learn how to donate, please visit www.rmtc.org.nz.