Masterton school's scheme to win back largest haka world record from French

Friday, 17 June 2016

Masterton Intermediate School principal Russell Thompson says the school's plan to get the world haka record off the French is on behalf of all Kiwis

A Wairarapa intermediate school is attempting to win back the world haka crown for New Zealand from a group of French car salesmen and rugby fans.

Masterton Intermediate School principal Russell Thompson believes the record for the Maori ceremonial war dance should be New Zealand's, and is leading a campaign to teach the specially written 'Ko Wairarapa' haka to as many people as possible via a YouTube instructional video.

The aim is to get 5000 people to perform the haka at Masterton's Memorial Stadium on September 8.

Masterton Intermediate School pupils in rehearsal on Friday for their attempt on the world's largest haka record in September.

That would smash the Guinness World Records-recognised 'largest haka' record of 4028, set at French rugby club CA Brive Correze Limousin in 2014, in a marketing stunt organised by its sponsor Mazda.

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The Brive fans performed a fairly loose interpretation of the 'Ka mate' haka, reputedly composed by Ngati Toa chief Te Rauparaha and made famous by the All Blacks, and Thompson said the cultural taonga (treasure) deserved a better rendition.

The school's record attempt was part of its emphasis on helping kids feel proud of themselves, no matter their background, which has helped it turn a behavioural corner in recent years.

'We didn't expect it take off as much as it has,' Thompson said.

So far 2500 people had registered for the record attempt. With schools, rugby clubs, fire brigades and other groups from Wairarapa and beyond indicating their interest, Thompson felt confident the record would fall.

'Ko Wairarapa' was written by school parent Paora Ammunson, and another parent, Trudy Sears, is liaising with Guinness officials.

Year 8 pupil Rocco Thompson said the whole thing made him feel 'proud and excited'. 'You're representing your culture and region.'

Classmate Erica Smith had nothing against the French, but said performing haka was something uniquely inspiring for New Zealanders. 'To be honest, I don't think France should be holding [the record].'