Tahunanui seeks the biggest Haka
Wanted: 3265 haka performers. Tahunanui is looking to make a name for itself at the weekend, and Nelsonians and tourists are invited to help out. An attempt at the world record for the biggest haka will be part of the inaugural Big Tahuna festival at Tahunanui Sportsfield on Sunday.
Event organiser Chris Butler said the haka would be part of a day of fun at the park which was aimed to promote the region during the Rugby World Cup. He was unsure whether they would be able to top the existing record of 3264 participants in Ngaruawahia in Waikato, but they would give it a go, he said.
"From our point of view what we wanted to put on was to showcase Tahuna and put on a family fun day. If we can break the record all's the better."
Organisers were hoping to make the event an annual fixture, he said. "We would love for it to happen. If we don't crack it we will work on it for next year," Mr Butler said.
The haka chosen was Ka Mate, with tourists and those unfamiliar with the haka able to get some last-minute lessons at the venue.
Although the attempt is not until 3pm, the day will kickoff at 10am, with a beach art competition, waka ama (outrigger canoe), beach football and kitesurfing.
From noon there will be performances from Victory Primary School, Pasifika Youth Group, DARNZ hip-hop, and Taiko Drums. There will be face painting, massive bouncy castles, mini hot rods and mini ferris wheel, and all the Tahunanui Domain activities will be operating.
Haka buildup and practice will commence at 2.30pm at the Tahunanui sportsfield, with the Guinness Book of World Records attempt at 3pm.
