New Records Set at Waitangi Treaty Grounds
NORTHLAND; Whangarei; Ngati Hine Health Trust, 9 February 2010
Maori health innovation combined with a competitive winning streak was the rallying theme for the inaugural Waitangi
World Championships held at the top field of the Treaty Grounds during Waitangi Day celebrations this week.
The Waitangi Worlds 2010 provided the local community, visitors and International tourists with the chance to perform
together to set a range of world-firsts at Waitangi.
Described as an example of Maori innovation and competitiveness at its best, Ngati Hine Health Trust CEO Rob Cooper
praised the combined Maori Health providers of Taitokerau who staged the Waitangi Worlds. "Each year our teams set out
to entertain and educate the thousands of people coming up to Waitangi. This year we combined our Maori health message
with a competitive challenge to the people attending – "join with us to set the first-ever Waitangi World Record for
Poi, Haka, Waiata and Mau Rakau and they did, with thousands participating”.
“Coincidentally, it is fitting that we launch the Waitangi Worlds in conjunction with the 70th Birthday of
Ngatokimatawhaorua – our waka. At 12 tonne, she is the Guinness Book of Records title holder for the largest traditional
waka in the world and today at Waitangi her ancestors launched another World Record for Waitangi” said Rob Cooper.
The World Record concept, created by Ngati Hine Health Trust manager Dallas Hibbs, was facilitated by the Ngati Hine
Radio DJ's and staff of other Providers. Invited visitors and locals were called to the Waitangi Worlds Centre-Stage to
participate in setting Waitangi World Records for Ukulele playing, Poi, Haka, Waiata and Mau Rakau. Participants were
treated to a healthy packed lunch.
The haka resonated throughout the top field and could be heard hundreds of metres away. A visiting International tourist
described the experience as "better than bungee jumping". Hans Van der Veer who took part in the Waitangi World Record
Haka said “I've been a tourist all over the world but I've never experienced culture like this - it sounded like the
earth was rumbling and I was in the middle of it". The minister of the Environment Hon. Dr Nick Smith and Mrs. Smith
were welcomed participants.
The combined Maori Health Providers were delighted to see the diverse crowds enjoying the celebration of New Zealand’s
nationhood. One of them said, “The benchmark for the Waitangi World Records has been set and next year's challenge is to
beat the 2010 record. We delivered a message to the participants that competition is healthy. Being fit and healthy
helps our physical and mental abilities. This is a classic example of “Whanau Ora”.
ENDS