Opinion: Giant haka to unite Rotorua

Rotorua Boys' High students perform a flash mob haka at the market. Photograph by Stephen Parker.

Right Rotorua, it's time to get practising your Ka Mate.

If you've ever fantasised about lining up on halfway, wearing the silver fern on your chest, and performing the fierce haka here's your chance - well, kind off.

You don't get to play for the All Blacks but you do get to be part of what will hopefully be a Guinness World Record for the largest haka.

It's another event that will add wider interest and buzz to the Lions' visit to Rotorua on June 17, along with a family fan zone at the Energy Events Centre and a big brekkie planned for the morning after.

The city needs to capitalise on opportunities like this and with millions of eyes on Rotorua we need to show our finest side. And what could be more appropriate for the cultural capital of New Zealand than a mass haka?

The haka can feel off-limits to the average person. We watch with pride and awe when it's performed but many would never dare try it, at least not in public.

But it undoubtedly means something to us all and unites us as Kiwis.

Which is why it's great that everyone - Maori or non-Maori, men or women, young or old - are being encouraged to take part in this record-breaking event.

To help us all do it properly, an instructional video has been made available on the event Facebook page, and the words are on page 2 today, so there are no excuses!

Mark it in your diary, spread the word and get down to the Village Green on June 17 for a great community day out.