<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/29/new-zealand-reclaims-world-record-for-largest-mass-haka>
"New Zealand has reclaimed the world record for the largest mass haka after
more than 6,000 people performed the Māori dance, dethroning France.
The record was broken in deafening fashion at Eden Park rugby stadium in
Auckland, where thousands of men, women and children combined on the pitch to
complete the traditional dance involving vigorous movements, stamping feet and
rhythmic shouting.
An adjudicator confirmed 6,531 participants had performed the
Ka Mate haka, a
dance made famous by the All Blacks rugby team, who perform it immediately
before Test matches.
The world record had been held by France since September 2014 when 4,028 people
slapped their thighs and bellowed the chant after a rugby match in
Brive-la-Gaillarde, south-western France.
Auckland organisers had hoped for up to 10,000 participants but were
nevertheless pleased the record had been reclaimed by New Zealand, where the
haka is regarded as a national treasure.
“We want to bring the mana [pride] of the haka back home,” Michael Mizrahi, the
director of the Auckland attempt, said.
“It’s not just that we want to take it off the French, it’s like a national
treasure that somebody has taken from us. It’s got enormous meaning for us as
New Zealanders.
“Some things should be culturally sacred.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
