BBC highlights HAKA as a top feel-good story of 2024

AUCKLAND, Friday: On September 29, 2024, New Zealand reclaimed the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the World’s Largest HAKA. Over 6,500 people gathered at Eden Park to bring the record home.

The event also raised funds for the Raukatauri Music Therapy Trust and was featured by the BBC as one of the Happiest Stories of 2024, alongside major global milestones.

“Being recognised by the BBC brings even more global attention to the HAKA as a powerful celebration of our national identity,” said Deborah Pead, founder of Pead. “This acknowledgment is also a tribute to the incredible team of people who turned Dame Hinewehi Mohi’s vision into a reality.”

“Being recognised by the BBC brings even more global attention to the HAKA as a powerful celebration of our national identity.” – Deborah Pead

Pead gave credit to many contributors, “It took an army to make this happen, including Extended Whanau, BallyHoo Events, Cornerstore, UFO Rodeo, Inside Out Productions, the Eden Park Trust team, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, and a host of volunteers, led by Dame Hinewehi and Pead. Remarkably, all agencies donated their time to honour the significance of this record to New Zealand.”

Pead wrapped up with, “The fact that the French held this record for ten years is a conversation for another day, but it feels deeply gratifying to see this record restored to Aotearoa – the true home of HAKA.”

• Listen to the BBC segment at 22:22 here