New Zealand’s National Anthem

                            Short version

This week we are looking at New Zealand’s national anthems, yes, they have two national anthems.

The main one is “God Defend New Zealand” but they also use “God Save the King” at formal ceremonies involving the King, the Governor-General, or the royal family. 

The anthem’s lyrics were written by Thomas Bracken in the 1870s, and the music was composed by John Joseph Woods in 1876. The song was translated into Māori in 1878 and was called ‘Aotearoa’.

In 1976 a petition was presented to Parliament asking “God Defend New Zealand” to be made the national anthem. With the consent of Queen Elizabeth II, it was gazetted as the country’s second national anthem on 21 November 1977, on equal standing with “God Save the King/Queen”.

The anthem was officially adopted in 1977. The lyrics are in both English and Māori, with slightly different meanings. At major events, one verse is sung in Māori and then repeated in English.

Some people find the lyrics to New Zealand’s national anthem, confusing because of their antiquated or obscure words and concepts. For example, some of the words used include “thy”, “thee”, “ramparts”, “assail”, and “nations’ van”. Some also find the song difficult to sing at its original pitch. 

E Ihowā Atua
O ngā iwi mātou rā
Āta whakarangona
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai
Kia tau tō atawhai
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                Long version (full length)