Largest Haka

Rotorua, New Zealand – June 21, 2017 – More than 7000 passionate New Zealanders have come together smash the Guinness world record for the largest Haka; a total of 7700 people flocked to a field in Rotorua to almost double the standing official record of 4100 people set in France.

Photo: Rotorua set an official new world record for the biggest haka with 7,800 people taking part. Led by Rotorua Boys’ High School students and national kapa haka champions, 7700 rugby fans performed the famous Ngāti Toa Rangatira haka, Ka Mate, at Rotorua’s Village Green.

The Guinness World Records world record for the largest Haka was achieved by 4,028 participants at an event organised by Mazda France and C.A. Brive Corrèze Limousin (both France) at the Stade Amédée Domenech in Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, on 27 September 2014.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the largest Bolivian folk dance; it involved 3,014 people and was achieved by ‘La Organización Boliviana de Defensa y Difusión del Folklore’ (OBDEFO, Bolivia), in an event organised by Napoleon Gomez Silva (Bolivia), in Guaqui, Bolivia, on 25 July 2014.

The International Rugby Club’s Giant Haka attempt took place at Rotorua’s Village Green at midday and it is estimated that 7800 people turned up to have a go.

The event was put together by the International Rugby Club as part of their Rugby Safari which is following the DHL NZ Lions Series as it tours New Zealand.

Local schools Rotorua Boys’ High School and Rotorua Girls’ High School helped to lead the haka with help from kaitataki (leaders) Wetini Mitai Ngatai and Eraia Kiel.

More than 200 volunteers and staff were on board to help out, teach haka moves and count participants.