New Zealand
God Defend New Zealand
1876
1977
Thomas Bracken
John Joseph Woods
✝ God / Faith 🌿 Nature ☮ Peace 🕊 Freedom |
Context
Written by Thomas Bracken in 1876, with music by John Joseph Woods. Became a national anthem alongside God Save the Queen in 1977. The Maori version is typically sung first at official events, reflecting New Zealand's bicultural identity. It is one of two national anthems, alongside God Save the King.
Lyrics
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
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • Has equal status with God Save the King as a national anthem of New Zealand
- • The Maori-language verse is always sung first at official events, a practice that began in the 1990s
- • Written by Irish immigrant Thomas Bracken who won a competition in 1876, with the melody contributed by a Melbourne teacher