New Zealand reclaims record for world's largest haka on home turf, dethroning France

New Zealand has reclaimed the world record for the largest haka performance, with thousands of people gathering in a large stadium on Sunday to perform the traditional Māori ceremonial dance with great vigor. Historically a Māori war dance, the haka was designed to challenge opponents and boost morale before battle. Today, it is also used to celebrate Māori identity and culture, as well as to unite people in times of grief.

The sights and sounds of the haka—the stomping feet, the waving fists, the strained vocal cords—are deeply embedded in New Zealand culture and widely adopted by the country's rugby team as a pre-match ritual. According to Eden Park officials, approximately 6,500 participants took part in the record-breaking event in Auckland on Sunday. Eden Park is the iconic stadium where the All Blacks (New Zealand's rugby team) have remained undefeated since 1994. The event broke the 2014 record of 4,028 people set in France.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner said it was "more than just numbers... it's about respecting our cultural heritage on the global stage." On Sunday evening, participants let out thunderous cheers inside the stadium. They puffed out their chests, stomped their feet, stuck out their tongues, and made intimidating expressions. Event organizers, the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust, wrote on their official website before the event, "It's time to change (France's record holder status)" and called on participants to "stand as a nation and bring the haka home."

Guinness World Records adjudicator Brian Sobel confirmed the record to Radio New Zealand, although the final participant count may still be adjusted. Sobel recalled his feelings while watching the haka from the stage in an interview with the public broadcaster: "It hits you like a force. It was very, very impressive to see." CNN has contacted Guinness World Records for comment.

According to Radio New Zealand, celebrities in the crowd included American TV host Conan O'Brien, New Zealand director Taika Waititi, and former boxer David Tua. The haka must be performed for one minute, so the crowd performed the most famous haka, "Ka Mate," four times in a row to meet the requirement. The dance was composed by the great 19th-century Māori leader Te Rauparaha. While the haka has been embraced by New Zealanders from all walks of life, the Māori community, which makes up nearly one-fifth of the country's population of over 5 million, often faces discrimination, leading to poorer health and education outcomes, as well as higher incarceration rates.

This year, protests have been sparked by the New Zealand right-wing government's proposals to dissolve the country's Māori Health Authority, remove the use of the Māori language, and lift restrictions on tobacco sales. Māori leaders had sought restrictions on tobacco sales in an effort to lower high smoking rates in their communities.