In general, no. Historically and in the vast majority of cases it is done as a show of respect, to honor someone or something. It's done for things like dignitaries visiting, big events, funerals, etc.. For example, Viggo Mortensen was very close with the stunt team on Lord of the Rings, and they performed one for him after he filmed his last scene.
The Ka Mate haka(which is the one the polticians did), was popularized by the New Zealand national rugby team. And, is from what I remember a retelling of a story. Honoring someone who won by outwitting his enemies. It's was never originally intended to be "intimidating" in terms of the vocalization and movement.