Books
National Anthems
State and Provincial Songs
CDs
Contact
Links
Home Page
National Anthems of the World
State Songs of America
State Anthems of Malaysia
Provincial Songs of Canada
Nationalhymnen
Africa
America
Asia
Europe
Oceania
International
Origins
Facts
History
State Songs of America
State Anthems of Malaysia
Provincial Songs of Canada
Sheet music
Tools
Search in anthem information:
List authors
List composers
List regions
List countries
List titles
Archive of former national anthems
NEW ZEALAND : New Zealand National Anthem
National Anthem of New Zealand
God Defend New Zealand
Author:
English Words: Thomas Bracken (1843-1898), Maori Words: Thomas Henry Smith (1824-1907)
Composer:
John Joseph Woods (1849-1934)
Adopted:
1977
National Day:
February 06 (1840) - Waitangi Day
April 25 (1915) - ANZAC Day
Buy:
Further details:
'God Defend New Zealand' is sung on all special occasions. The text was written by THOMAS BRACKEN (1843-1898). He was born in Ireland, but went to New Zealand early in life. There he engaged primarily in newspaper work, although for a time he was a Member of Parliament. He wrote the words of 'God Defend New Zealand' in 1878. The original edition was published with both English and Maori texts.
The 'Saturday Advertiser' offered a prize for the best musical setting of it. The winning entry was by
JOHN JOSEPH WOODS (1849-1934), an Australian, who was teaching at the time in New Zealand. It was a very simple marching song with a choral refrain.
It was officially adopted in 1977.