Tahunanui aims for largest haka

The challenge has been laid down to thousands of Kiwis in the top of the south to try to shatter the world record for the largest haka performed.

The haka, which will take place on Saturday, September 11, at Tahunanui Beach, is to celebrate the world coming to Nelson and New Zealand for next year's Rugby World Cup 2011.

It will be the only attempt in the country.

The invitation is to all communities of the top of the south to gather for the record attempt at low tide to perform Ka Mate – the haka performed by the All Blacks.

The aim is to break the existing record of 3264 set in 2008 at Ngaruawahia.

Lead member of the organising steering group, Mike Elkington, said the haka would mark the "one year to go" date until the world cup kicks off.

Nelson City Council, the RWC Nelson Steering Group, and iwi across the top of the south are co-ordinating the record-breaking attempt as a way to ready the region and the country for the event.

Mr Elkington said the haka was a way of gathering energy to welcome the world.

"We want everyone coming to The Land of The Long White Cloud next year to hear our combined voices, welcoming them as they prepare to journey to New Zealand."

He said the group acknowledged that the haka had historical significance to iwi but in a modern context it was used to celebrate all that was good about being a New Zealander.

Mr Elkington said the group would also recognise the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.

He said that although the haka was most often performed by men, there would be a women's version of Ka Mate performed simultaneously on the day.

Haka training will be provided to anyone wanting to take part. Sessions will be about two hours long and will focus on the words of Ka Mate as well as the basic actions.

Further information is on facebook.com/rwc2011Nelson

- © Fairfax NZ News