Mass haka to attempt Guinness World Record

Put a bunch of rugby-loving Kiwis together for a while, and you’re bound to witness a rousing Māori haka at some stage.

And that’s just what thousands of South Islanders are planning to do come 3pm on 11 September - marking one year to go until the 2011 Rugby World Cup - as they attempt to shatter the Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest haka.

Communities throughout Te Tau Ihu - the northern half of New Zealand’s South Island - have been invited to gather on Tahunahui Beach, Nelson, to perform the famous ‘Ka mate, Ka mate’ haka.

Haka organiser Mike Elkington says that local iwi / Māori tribe has formed a roopu / group to ensure that they break the current world record - which was set by 3,264 people in Ngaruawahia, in the North Island, on 16 February, 2008.

As the September 11 date also commemorates the anniversary of the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Centre, there will be a minute's silence before the haka to acknowledge American manuhiri / visitors to New Zealand, and remember the victims of the attacks.

Welcome to Aotearoa
The world’s biggest haka attempt will be a fantastic opportunity for New Zealand to share its Māori culture with a wider global audience, Mike Elkington says.

"The haka is our way of gathering our energy to welcome the world, readying ourselves for all that we are going to offer the world. We want everyone coming to the ‘land of the long white cloud’ (Aotearoa - New Zealand) next year to hear our combined voices, welcoming them as they prepare to journey to New Zealand."

Although the ‘Ka mate’ haka - first performed in public by the New Zealand Native team before an international rugby match in 1888 - is most often performed by men, a women’s version will also be performed at Tahunanui Beach.

"Training is being offered to anyone and everyone wanting to take part. Sessions are 2 - 2.5 hours long and will focus on the words of ‘Ka mate’ as well as their basic actions," says Elkington.

Special haka
According to the iwi that has formed the roopu / group, the ‘Ka mate, Ka mate’ haka was chosen because of its historical significance, as it represents a celebration of all that is good about being a modern day New Zealander.

The ‘Ka mate, Ka mate’ haka - made famous by the All Blacks - was composed in the early 19th century by a Māori warrior chief called Te Rauparaha.

Te Rauparaha was fleeing an enemy tribe that was seeking retribution for a wrong he had committed. As he was chased across the central plateau of the North Island, fellow chief Te Wharerangi helped him hide in a pit, and then instructed his wife to sit at the pit entrance.

After the enemy had moved on, Te Rauparaha emerged from the pit. To celebrate his lucky escape in front of Te Wharerangi and his people, he performed ‘Ka mate, Ka mate’, which he had composed while hiding.

Haka training
Local Māori iwi are working together with the Nelson City Council and the RWC2011 Nelson steering group to co-ordinate the record breaking attempt.

The organising roopu / group are using social media to gather South Islanders together and prepare them for the day.

Nelson’s RWC2011 team is using Facebook to promote awareness and arrange training sessions for participants.

Public sessions will also be held for drop-in training, and YouTube videos will be provided as backup. A trainer will be available for groups with a minimum of 20 people and a group leader.