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National | Haka

Watch the moment Aotearoa reclaimed the world haka record

Updated
Watch thousands perform 'ka mate' on the pitch at Eden Park.

Thousands have rocked the ground beneath Eden Park in Aotearoa’s attempt to reclaim the world record for the biggest haka performed - and the Guinness World Records officials present have confirmed Aotearoa are now the record-holders.

The previous record, held by France with just north of 4000 performers, was widely expected to be overturned, with ‘Haka – Stand as a Nation’ at Eden Park tonight understood to have received more than 8000 registrations for tickets.

The total number of performers on the pitch was 6,531.

France’s record had 4,028 performers.

Tonight’s official announcement, made by a Guinness World Record official, was met with the cheers and the applause of thousands on the pitch at Ngā Ana Wai | Eden Park.

Several adjudicators were also present monitoring the haka from the outskirts of the field.

US superstar and acclaimed late-night television host Conan O’Brien was one of the thousands present, spotted alongside Māori filmmaker Taika Waititi.

The event was preceded by waiata from artists across Aotearoa, including Six60, Alien Weaponry, Che Fu, Kings, Ria Hall, Rob Ruha, Anika Moa, Hollie Smith and more.

Isaac Gunson
Isaac Gunson

Isaac is our Kaituruki Matihiko/Digital Editor, and has reported for TVNZ’s Breakfast, 1News at Six and Fair Go, and co-presented the 1 Climate Special and the 2023 Young Voters’ Debate. He also worked in two senior digital producer roles with 1News before joining Whakaata Māori.