Sometimes there are occasions that you just need to be part of and yesterday was one of those occasions!

Along with the Ngāruawāhia whānau Steve and I headed to Eden Park to heed the karanga, to stand as a nation and participate in the Guinness World Record attempt to perform the largest Haka and bring the mana back home to Aotearoa from France!

It is official, we broke the record with 6531 people performing Ka Mate, surpassing the previous French record of 4028 set in 20214. This momentous event showcased our rich cultural heritage to the world and reinforced the deep connection we all share through HAKA on and off the field.

The event benefitted the deserving Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust which was established in March 2004 by singer Dame Hinewehi Mohi, who named it after her daughter, Hineraukatauri who has severe cerebral palsy. Their mission is to work with any person in need, to enrich and develop their lives through music. www.rmtc.org.nz

Microsoft Teams was proud to support “Haka at Home” allowing everyone to experience the powerful Haka from their kāinga (homes) while engaging with those in the stadium, breaking down geographical barriers, fostering a sense of whānau (family) and community. 

So ae(yes), ka mau te wehi – I/we felt immensely proud to be ‘standing as a nation’ showcasing our unique HAKA to the world.