New Zealand took back the record for the largest Haka performance at our fortress of Eden Park, on a chilled Sunday evening 29 September 2024.
The record for haka participation has been held by the French since 2014, with 4028 verified participants.
For the attempt tonight, Guinness World Record officials were present at the park, along with official adjudicator Brian Sobel.
The organisers of HAKA had received over 8000 registrations for participation in the event.
There were many spectators, which included a significant number of children, to witness what would be a proud and historic event for New Zealand.
It is fair to say that in recent fractious times of race relations and convulsive political turmoil, there was a significant emotional and spiritual healing energy at the historic stadium.
Forty-three years ago, this country became deeply divided over a Springbok Vs All Black rugby tour.
I was a university student, and I watched on TV when anti-tour protestors disrupted the Waikato Vs Springboks rugby match in Hamilton.
Protestors invaded the pitch. Scenes of anger from the spectators, and the violence was shocking and disturbing.
I became an Anti-Tour protestor overnight. Apartheid was abhorrent, and here it was being rubbed in our faces and we had to like it. The country was divided equally.
One of the greatest All Black legends stated he would like to kill all the protestors.
I remember being on the front line of the protest at the test match at Eden Park in 1981. Facing the Red Squad and their long batons. Aerial bombardment of the grounds with flour bombs. The All-Black fullback got knocked out by one.
Wayne Buck Shelford spoke tonight. He has been an All-Black captain, and he was playing in that inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, where we defeated France (our nemesis and spoiler) in the final.
He may have been at that 1981 test match. I’m not sure now.
Shelford had been instrumental in revamping the customary AB’s haka and introducing the Ka Mate one written by Te Rauparaha, especially for the World Cup.
That is the one that will be performed tonight.
Shelford has a history with the French team that includes another infamous episode of balls other than a rugby ones. He is fired up to take back the haka crown.
This haka is OUR haka!
Also, present tonight is boxing legend David Tua, film maker Taika Waititi, American TV host Conan O’Brien (far more famous for being a scriptwriter for the Simpsons), along with many other sports and entertainment industry people.
Curiously no current All Blacks are spotted.
There were a large contingent of the country’s top musicians providing the entertainment build-up to the world record attempt.
Soft Pacifica Soul from Paige. Kings did the same with louche melodic Rap.
Georgia Lines wore neon pink (a nod to P!NK who played here earlier this year maybe) and played a magnificent version of Hine E Hine.
PERE are a duo with big Soul voices verging on American Black Gospel. Majic is a female artist who sang te reo with the style of an R’n’B torch singer.
Anna Coddington, Ria Hall and Che Fu contributed waiata with the emphasis on South Pacific summer Soul.
Shepherds Reign blasted everyone away with their special Polynesian Metal. Thunderous pressure drops of molten guitar fire and chanted lyrics echoing haka energy.
It was Six60 who played the prelude to the event and had the honour of leading the haka out.
The marshals and stewards lead the various groups of people out. The conductors are on stage and reminding the participants of the set pieces.
It all comes together like it’s been rehearsed for an Olympics or a Super Bowl.
From the stands the energy is palpable and electric.
The HAKA commences and it must be performed unbroken for one minute. The scrutineers will discount anyone who can’t complete.
They go through three cycles of Ka Mate.
On the ground the tension and release are an awe-inspiring moment. Built-up emotion bursts like a dam and then the flood comes.
Official count is six thousand five hundred and thirty-one.
New Zealand has the Guinness World Record, and it is confirmed by official adjudicator Brian Sobel.
Dame Hinewehi Mohi DNZM (Ngati Kahungunu, Ngai Tuhoe), co-founder of the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust and the cultural ambassador for HAKA says, Haka is more than just an event. 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.
A lot of spiritual energy was released and reconnected to.
As the Topp Twins alluded to just before they performed their special waiata for the event. They remembered their early days at Bastion Point. Days of protest and solidarity.
I remember those days too. Bringing it all back home. They go out singing harmony in their best Everly Brothers style.
A nod as well, to Tami Neilson, current New Zealand Queen of Country music.
Rev. Orange Peel
Photography by Leonie Moreland
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