US commentator and former television host Joe Rogan has slammed the haka as "stupid" in one of his latest podcasts.
The actor and MMA expert took aim at the traditional Maori war cry in an interview with actor Hannibal Buress.
The pair were discussing the ability to control the state of the mind when Rogan questioned why native Americans would perform a war cry before battle.
But they soon took aim at the native Maori Haka.
"The haka, is that a New Zealand thing?" Rogan asked Buress.
"There is the video of them [the New Zealand Basketball team] playing the USA team, they're doing this elaborate thing and just energetic. They cut to the USA team and they looked confused," Buress said.
Joe Rogan then cut in, and asked: "They're doing it in a basketball game?
"This is ridiculous, they're playing basketball. You're playing NBA superstars you f**king dummies... It seems stupid. If you're playing basketball it's stupid.
"It's a performance art. The other players clapped. They're like 'good job children!'.
"It's weird if you do all of that then get your ass kicked."
However, Maori Party co-leader Marama Fox hit back at Rogan's claims, saying the former Fear Factor host is way off the mark.
"Obviously he has no understanding of indigenous culture in his own country or around the world," she told the Herald.
"It shows a very close-minded point of view and I invite him to come to New Zealand and we can show him how to do it properly and give him a lesson on what it really means."
Rogan and Buress pointed fun at the Tall Blacks' performance, questioning their reasoning for doing the haka despite the fact they'd likely get thoroughly beaten by the USA.
Fox rubbished their views on the haka, telling the Herald the traditional Maori war cry was a symbol for many uses and meanings.
"The haka is an expression used for so many things - as a sign of respect, the haka is used to get the blood pumping when you go into battle.
"When you're ready to get out there and play your game and put your best foot forward.
"It's not about trying to intimidate the other team, it's about getting yourself pumped up and being ready.
"Kiwis have made the haka their own. And we perform is with pride. We've been doing it across this nation and across a number of sports for a long time. It's an ownership of the whole nation and it shows the value of Maori culture to everyday Kiwis.
"When it is performed on the world stage as representatives of our nation they are showing what we are all about and embracing Maori culture.
"Everyday Kiwis perform the haka because they love it and it brings pride to ourselves and our nation."
OPINION: Potential players face tough competition for a spot in the All Blacks' midfield.
