Hinewehi Mohi sang God Defend New Zealand only in Te Reo Maori before the match.
Many complained it was inappropriate because most New Zealanders did not speak, or understand, Maori. Mohi's response was it seemed a perfectly natural thing to do.
The incident sparked public debate and support soon grew for singing God Defend New Zealand in both Maori and English. A campaign was supported by Government, the Maori Language Commission and sporting bodies, and today there is widespread support for the Maori and English versions being sung side by side.
One factor in the success of the bicultural approach is that it has helped breathe new life into God Defend New Zealand by giving it a uniquely New Zealand sound.
Otago origins
The anthem's origins are rooted in the talents of two Otago men.
Dunedin poet, legislator and journalist, Thomas Bracken wrote his poem, God Defend New Zealand in the early 1870s.
The words were first published as a competition run by the Saturday Advertiser and New Zealand Literary Miscellany. A prize of 10 guineas was offered for the best musical setting.
It was won by Otago schoolteacher John Woods of Lawrence. God Defend New Zealand was first performed in Dunedin's Queen's Theatre on Christmas Day, 1876, and the patriotic hymn found immediate favour with the Dunedin public.
The judges were in no doubt about the winner, saying it had more melody than the other entries by a "young man who had dashed off the music in a single setting".
Interestingly, the first Maori translation was made in 1878 by Native Land Court judge Thomas H. Smith at the request of Governor Sir George Grey. Despite this, until the closing decades of the 20th century most New Zealanders were familiar only with the English-language version.
The popularity of God Defend New Zealand grew throughout the 19th century and entered the 20th century as one of the most popular hymns.
In 1940, on the recommendation of the New Zealand Centennial Council, the Government declared God Defend New Zealand to be the National Hymn, and bought the copyright. In 1977, with the Queen's consent, God Defend New Zealand was given equal status with God Save the Queen as one of New Zealand's national anthems.
The actual poem, written by Bracken, has a total of five verses.
The first verse refers to "Pacific's triple star", a line that has intrigued many. The meaning isn't certain as Bracken didn't leave detailed notes but popular belief is that it refers to New Zealand's three main islands: the North, South and Stewart Islands.
You can visit the historic Anthem House, the home of John Joseph Woods, who composed the national anthem, in Lawrence, south of Dunedin. Or visit the memorial grave of Thomas Bracken at the Dunedin North cemetery.
These days the first verse of God Defend New Zealand is sung in Maori.
Here it is followed by the entire five verses in English.
Maori version;
E Ihowa Atua,
O nga iwi matou ra,
Ata whakarangona,
Me aroha noa,
Kia hua ko te pai,
Kia tau to atawhai,
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa.
English version;
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country's spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide her in the nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.