But University of Otago composition lecturer and prominent New Zealand composer Dr Anthony Ritchie has tackled the issue after being asked by the New Zealand Choral Federation to do a special arrangement of the anthem for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
"It's often put in A-flat major, or even higher keys. I've put mine [lower] in G major so that it's more manageable for the average person at the game to sing along to."
Unlike the more "popular stylings" of versions played at Silver Ferns netball matches, Dr Ritchie's was more traditional.
"I've tried to make my arrangement very direct. There's no fancy key changes and it has a strong counter melody.
"It remains traditional and dignified."
Dr Ritchie's arrangement was recently recorded by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and will be played at all All Blacks matches.
He also arranged choral parts to go with the other 19 anthems arranged by Canadian composer Peter Breiner.
His choir arrangements will be sung by New Zealand Choral Federation singers, with Breiner's pre-recorded versions, at pool matches.
"I'll be conducting the choirs at four of the games coming up in Dunedin and Invercargill."
Former Dunedin opera singer Jonathan Lemalu will be one of five New Zealand singers who will lead rugby fans in the national anthems before semifinal matches on October 15 and 16.
Given Otago's strong connections to New Zealand's national anthem, it seems fitting an Otago composer arrange the anthem for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
The lyrics started out as a poem written by Dunedin pioneer Sir Thomas Bracken in the 1870s, and music was later set to the poem by Lawrence school teacher JJ Woods to create what is now known as God Defend New Zealand.
Dr Ritchie said he felt honoured to be asked to do the project.