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God Defend New Zealand
one of two national anthems of New Zealand (together with “God Save the King/Queen”) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"God Defend New Zealand" (English pronunciation: /gɒd dəˈfend nju: ˈzi:lənd/), called "Aotearoa" (Māori pronunciation: [aɔˈtearɔa]; simply "New Zealand") in Māori, is the title of the most popular national anthem of New Zealand. It was originally a poem written by Thomas Bracken[1] in the 1870s until it was set to music by John Joseph Woods as part a competition for ten guineas in 1876. Two years later, Thomas Henry Smith wrote the lyrics in Māori—one of the country's official languages. The anthem was adopted in 1977.[2]
Quick Facts Lyrics, Music ...
![]() Woods' original manuscript setting Bracken's words to music | |
National anthem of New Zealand | |
Lyrics | Thomas Bracken, 1870s |
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Music | John Joseph Woods, 1876 |
Adopted | 1940 (as national hymn) 1977 (as national anthem) |
Audio sample | |
God Defend New Zealand (Instrumental) | |
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"God Save the Queen", the national anthem used for the United Kingdom and used as a royal anthem for a number of countries and territories, is also a national anthem of New Zealand.