Kia Ora. That's maori (indigenous New Zealand) for welcome. A major part of maori culture, the haka or dance, has become part of mainstream New Zealand society and is performed by New Zealanders of all backgrounds and cultures. Of course New Zealands famous All Blacks are most widely associated with the haka "Ka Mate, ka mate", as it takes centre stage before every test match they play.

The All Blacks haka was written by Te Rauparaha, the mighty maori chief of the Ngati Toa tribe following his escape from death in the early 1800's. Legend says that Te Rauparaha was being pursued by Waikato and Maniapoto enemies, so he hid in a kumara pit. A friend, some say a women, some say a fellow chief, sat over the mouth of the kumara pit to shield him until he was able to emerge safely.

In its illustrious history the haka has been the subject of great debate in the rugby world, by players, fans and critics alike. Some controversy's include:

• most recently, the French were fined for advancing on the All Black haka in the build up to the rugby world cup final 2011
• in 2006 the All Blacks performed the haka in the dressing room after the Welsh Rugby Union insisted on moving it from its usual place right before kickoff, to between the national anthems
• off the field, Italian corporate giant Fiats advertisement shows women performing the haka and executives were warned before releasing it that it could be seen as culturally insensitive
• in 2000 girl band the Spice Girls staged an impromptu haka during a visit to Bali. Women were previously forbidden to do the haka so their actions caused an uproar in New Zealand
• in 2005 the new haka "Kapa o Pango" was criticised for its perceived throat slitting gesture. The hakas creator Derek Llardelli, an expert haka composer came to his hakas defence, explaining it was in fact a "Maori symbol of drawing vital energy into the body".

Its critics claim the haka gives the All Blacks an unfair pre-game advantage, or that there is no place for it in sport and that it should be banned. Its fans argue it is one of the greatest spectacles and traditions in world sport, and players consider it an honor to face. No matter what you're opinion, the All Blacks haka never ceases to amaze and spark conversation every year and every where it goes. The writer, a maori-New Zealander-therefore-avid-All Black fan, says long live the haka. What other sporting ritual sends shivers down your spine before a balls even been kicked?