Kiwis reclaim their national treasure

Auckland New Zealand yesterday reclaimed the world record for the largest mass haka after more than 6 000 people performed the legendary Maori war dance, dethroning France.

The record was broken in deafening fashion at Eden Park rugby stadium in Auckland, where thousands of men, women and children combined on the pitch to complete the traditional native challenge involving vigorous movements, stamping feet and rhythmic shouting.

An adjudicator confirmed 6531 participants had performed the Ka Mate haka, a rendition made famous by the All Blacks rugby team, who perform it immediately before Test matches.