It's not too late to join in record haka

It's not too late to join in the world record haka attempt at Tahunanui Beach this Saturday.

The event has been organised by Nelson City Council to celebrate one year to go until Rugby World Cup 2011 and the world coming to Nelson.

The aim is to break the existing record of 3264 set two years ago in Ngaruawahia.

Lead organiser Mike Elkington said they had trained about 4000 people across the top of the South Island for the haka, from school to business groups

He said it was shaping up well, but acknowledged some may not turn up on Saturday.

However, the event will go ahead rain or shine, and anyone can still join in on the day when there will be a last-minute practice before the big haka.

"I'm thinking it's going to be a good day at the beach," he said.

It was about being proud to be a New Zealander, he said.

"Ultimately what I have learnt from running these practices is New Zealanders are ready for the Maori culture."

Mr Elkington said it was important to show up early on the day so everyone could be organised and on time on for the big haka at 3pm.

Nelson Women's Refuge is organising the registration of the participants on the day who are being asked to bring a gold coin donation which will go the refuge.

Manager Trudie Brand said it was an amazing opportunity for people to see who they were and to understand the vital role they played in the community.

They have organised more than 50 volunteers to help on the day.

Registration will take place in the grassed area between the children's playground at Tahunanui Beach and the Abel Tasman car park. Haka participants will wear a registration bracelet on their right wrist so that there can be no duplication in the counting for the world record. Five JPs will check the registrations, then people can make their way to the beach for the haka lineup.

RWC 2011 Nelson regional director Susan Coleman said the haka would be filmed from a helicopter to document the world record attempt and to share the video footage across the globe.

Residents nearby might notice the helicopters flying a bit low around 3pm and she thanked them in advance for their understanding and patience.

Haka info on facebook.com/rwc2011Nelson

- © Fairfax NZ News