The word haka is made up two parts: ha-ka. 
Ha = Breath   Ka = To ignite, to energise 

Ha-ka can mean "to ignite the breath". 
The haka is simply a way to ignite the breath, 
energise the body and inspire the spirit. 
We can see that the root meaning of the word haka 
is associated with the breath in a similar way 
the word spirit derives from the Latin word spiritus meaning breath or air. 
This leads to such words as inspiration or expiration! 

These same meanings are similar to the words
of the All Black haka.
 
Ka mate                 Tis death
Ka mate                 Tis death
Ka ora                  Tis life
Ka ora                  Tis life



From
http://www.tu.co.nz/haka.htm