NEW Zealand is one of only two countries in the world —the other being Denmark—with two official national anthems of equal status.
The traditional anthem God Save the King is generally only used on royal occasions.
Whilst God Defend New Zealand is more commonly used on occasions when the national identity of New Zealand is the focus, such as sports events.
New Zealand rugby team performing the HakaGetty
What is New Zealand’s national anthem?
‘God Defend New Zealand’ comes from a poem by Thomas Bracken of Dunedin, New Zealand.
The poem was turned into a song by John Joseph Woods.
It is alleged that John Woods read about a competition to compose a national anthem melody in 1876.
He ended up winning the competition and took home a prize of 10 guineas – which is £10.
Sharing his success Woods wrote to New Zealand publisher Sir Alfred Hamish Reed in 1927, noting: “I immediately felt like one inspired… I set to work instantly and never left my seat ’till the music was completely finished late on in the night.”
Over the years its popularity increased, and in 1977 it was eventually named one of the country’s two national anthems.
God Defend New Zealand has English and Māori lyrics, with slightly different meanings.
This was created in 1878 by Thomas Henry Smith, a judge from Auckland.
Since the late 1990s, the usual practice when performed in public is to perform the first verse of the national anthem twice, first in Māori and then in English.
At most major sporting events, you will hear one verse sung in Māori, followed by one in English.
What are the lyrics of New Zealand’s national anthem?
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
What does New Zealand’s national anthem mean?
In the first verse, the song mentions Pacific triple star.
The meaning is not completely certain as poet Bracken didn’t leave behind many detailed notes.
Yet it is popular belief that Pacific’s triple star is a reference to New Zealand’s three main islands: the North, South and Stewart Islands.
Why does New Zealand have two national anthems?
God Save the King was inherited from Britain when New Zealand was made a colony.
In 1860 it was translated into Māori by Edward Marsh Williams.
The traditional anthem God Save the King is generally only used on royal occasions.
Whilst God Defend New Zealand is more commonly used on occasions when the national identity of New Zealand is the focus, such as sports events.
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