New Zealand Sets New Record with Massive Haka Performance

Thousands gathered at Auckland's Eden Park to break the world record for the most people performing a haka. The event aimed to surpass the previous record of 4,028 participants set in France in 2014. The count is still ongoing, but Guinness World Records confirmed the new record has been set.

Thousands gathered at a sports stadium in New Zealand's biggest city on Sunday in a bid to set a new world record for the most people performing a haka, a traditional Maori dance. The mass gathering at Auckland's Eden Park aimed to surpass the record of 4,028 haka participants set in France in 2014, according to the Guinness World Records website.

"Everyone here tonight, while the official number is still being counted because it's a large number, I can safely say that you have surpassed the record to beat and you are officially amazing," Guinness records adjudicator Brian Sobel told the crowd. Event organizers had hoped at least 10,000 participants would attend, the New Zealand Herald reported.

The haka, a customary performance by the indigenous Maori, is featured at funerals, weddings, and other major events. It has also been associated with New Zealand rugby since 1888.

(With inputs from agencies.)