Kiwis break the world record for the largest haka

Former New Zealand Warrior Wairangi Koopu got behind the world record haka attempt. Photo/Stephen Parker

The world record for the largest haka has been smashed in Rotorua.

Around 7800 people were out in force at the Village Green in Rotorua today, giving it their all to beat the official record which sat at 4100.

Men, women and children chanted and threw their hands in the air with great enthusiasm, creating an almighty roar.

Co-founder of the International Rugby Club Tony Molloy said that even though they have to wait for the record to be officially confirmed they are confident in their efforts.

"We're so ecstatic to have smashed the Largest Haka Guinness World Record today. The fans who turned up deserve a massive thanks they were absolutely fantastic.

"This was the exact kind of energy we wanted to bring into Rotorua today ahead of the Maori All Blacks match - an opportunity to connect a group of rugby-loving fans through an authentic experience."

The turnout surpassed the International Rugby Club's hopes that more than 6200 people - the number set by an unverified group in Masterton - would go along.

Tristan Tuckey, co-founder of the International Rugby Club, said he was feeling "nervous excitement" ahead of the attempt.

He said the idea was thought up in response to seeing a Frenchman "somewhere in Europe" leading a haka online.

"We said we've got to do something about this, the Lions tour is the perfect time to try beat the record."

In order to calculate the amount of people present, each of the participants was scanned in, Mr Tuckey said.

"Each person is to grab a ticket, which will be scanned. There will also be people doing the count in as people enter through a controlled point."

Mr Tuckey said sufficient evidence had to be submitted to Guinness World Records.

"The collection of the evidence has to be methodical and we will have a team tomorrow who will be filming, taking photos and counting."

The haka was led by Wetini Mitai-Ngatai and Eraia Keil, with help from students from Rotorua Boys' High School and Rotorua Girls' High School.

The words to the famous Ngati Toa Rangatira haka, Ka Mate, were shown on the large screen.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers rugby team were there from 10.30am to 11am for a public meet and greet.

"As well there will be several ex-Maori All Blacks taking part in the haka which will be cool," Mr Tuckey said.

The International Rugby Club has been co-ordinating with the Rotorua Lakes Council.

Martin Croft, the council's major events co-ordinator, said the giant haka was one of the most interesting events he had worked on.

"Local schools have embraced it and have been practising to be ready for the day."

The event had caught the imagination of the public, Mr Croft said.

"Rotorua Boys' High School and Rotorua Girls' High School have done a lot to promote the event. It highlights that the event is for everyone to be part of."

The event was free to take part in, but a gold coin was asked for, with all money raised going towards the Starship Foundation who are the official charity partner of the Lions Series.