Dear Marian,

I am writing to you on behalf of all the people in New Zealand and non-New Zealanders around the world who are not only passionate about rugby but are passionate about the Maori people (native New Zealanders), the culture and the Haka that is performed by the All Blacks before each of our matches.

I read the article on how you want to campaign to ban the Haka and this is my response to you and anyone that is in agreement with you. I posted a similar message to my Facebook page and I hope this reaches people who are not aware of the struggle we went through as Maori people in order to be recognised in our own country let alone our Haka to be recognised around the world and it would be a disgrace if the Haka was taken away from us. Please read this and I hope it will change your view, and other people's views, on the Haka:

To those who boo and sing over our Haka and want it banned, I understand you're intimidated or just plain ignorant but let me enlighten you on something you obviously know nothing about.

We are a proud nation and a small country in comparison to most of the World Cup teams and not only is rugby our national sport but the Haka is an important part of the All Blacks and an important part of our culture (Maori culture). When the Europeans came to my land they put a ban on anything to do with my culture. We weren't allowed to speak our own language, we had to dress differently, act differently and our land was unfairly taken from us, among other things, my grandparents, as children in school, were caned if they were heard speaking their mother tongue language (Maori), racial segregation in our own country and at international rugby venues forced us to not be able to represent our country. So when I see the Haka it makes me proud of where I come from and just how far we have come as a nation and I am, and always will be, proud of my Maori culture!

The Haka tells a story of bravery, strength and celebration and was traditionally performed before we went into battle. We view a rugby game and any sport as a battle. The Haka is OUR RITUAL and prepares us mentally and physically for "battle". And now you "ignorant Europeans" are trying to take away something sacred to US again because YOU find the Haka INTIMIDATING? Intimidated by what? Our dance moves? A language you don't understand? Are we dancing with guns in our hands? The fact that our Maori culture is being acknowledged on such a large platform means so much to me, my fellow Maori people and New Zealanders as a whole. So before you start coming in sideways talking about banning it, try to understand WHO WE ARE and WHAT THE HAKA MEANS TO US FIRST! It may mean absolutely NOTHING to you but it means EVERYTHING to us!

It's been an uphill battle for my culture to have equality in a country originally populated by us and to see something very special to the Maori people being represented by our sportsmen possibly be taken away all because few people feel some type of way, I can't help but feel somewhat discriminated against. We aren't physically hurting you when the Haka is being performed are we? There are far worse and violent rituals that go on in the world and you are trying to ban our Haka? You don't have to like it or clap or cheer but at least have common courtesy and respect for those who know its meaning and know how far we've come to have our culture acknowledged in a world where people still, to this day, don't even know we exist as a race!

I hope people realise and understand what the Haka really means to New Zealand and its people and it would be a shame to lose our power as Maori people once again to the Europeans.

Kaua e takahia te mana o te tangata (Do not trample the power of the people)!