New Zealand has reclaimed the title for the world’s largest haka, after over 6,000 people united to perform the Māori ceremonial dance, overtaking France's previous record.

The event erupted in a thunderous display at Auckland's iconic Eden Park rugby stadium, where thousands of participants—men, women, and children—filled the field to showcase the powerful dance. The haka featured dynamic moves, foot-stomping, and synchronized chants.

An official adjudicator confirmed that 6,531 individuals had taken part in performing the Ka Mate haka, widely recognized through its use by the All Blacks rugby team before international matches.

The prior record was held by France, where in September 2014, 4,028 people participated in the haka following a rugby match in Brive-la-Gaillarde, located in southwestern France.

While Auckland’s organizers had set their sights on attracting up to 10,000 participants, they celebrated the achievement of bringing the record back to New Zealand, where the haka is revered as a symbol of cultural pride.

“Our goal was to return the mana [prestige] of the haka to its homeland,” said event director Michael Mizrahi.

“It’s not just about beating the French; it’s about reclaiming something that holds deep significance for us as a nation. The haka is a part of who we are, and it should be protected as such.”

Mizrahi also mentioned that previous attempts on New Zealand soil, involving crowds exceeding 5,000, failed to gain official recognition due to lacking Guinness World Records verification.

This time, however, an official flew to Auckland to validate the achievement.

The Ka Mate haka traces its origins back to around 1820, when Te Rauparaha, the warrior chief, composed the chant to commemorate his escape from being pursued by a rival tribe.

In New Zealand, the Ngāti Toa tribe, based near Wellington in Porirua, is officially recognized as the cultural custodians of the Ka Mate haka under national law.