As per reliable news services, a gathering of 6,000 plus people at the Eden Park stadium in Auckland has made the world record for the largest “mass haka” – a traditional ‘Maori’ war dance.

On September 29, New Zealand reclaimed the world record for the largest traditional dance. Thousands of people performed it and dethroned the previous record holder France.

The record was broken in deafening fashion at Eden Park Rugby Stadium in Auckland, where thousands of men, women, and children met on the pitch to complete the traditional native challenge. It involved vigorous movements, stamping feet, and rhythmic shouting.

An official confirmed that 6,531 participants performed the “Ka Mate haka”, a rendition made famous by the ‘All Blacks rugby team, who perform it immediately before ‘Test Matches’.

France has been holding the world record since September 2014. Then 4,028 people slapped their thighs and bellowed the chant following a rugby match in Brive-la-Gaillarde in south-western France.

Auckland organizers had hoped for up to 10,000 participants. ‘Haka’ is regarded as a national treasure. The Director of the Attempt, Michael Mizrahi shared, “We wanted to bring the mana (pride) of the haka back home. 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. As New Zealanders, it has enormous meaning for us.”

New Zealand Men’s Basketball Haka “Tu Kaha O Pango Te Kahikatea” in English Transcript is:

“Honour the past, the present, and the future.”

We all commit! To all who can hear my voice listen.

We are ready! We accept your challenge, accept ours

The two strongest winds of Tawhiri, Hurunuku, and Hururangi are here.

The black singlet stands strong, firm, and immovable.

Listen to the fierceness of this great storm

To the strongest winds, we reply,

“Bring your best! We will never give in, we have no fear!”

Amid this great storm, how are we still standing?

Our strength is in our roots, our history, and our legacy.

This is the vine that connects us

With a sacred strength from above.

The black singlet stands strong, firm, and immovable!