God Defend New Zealand facts for kids
Woods' original manuscript setting Bracken's words to music
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| National anthem of | New Zealand |
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| Lyrics | Thomas Bracken, 1870s |
| Music | John Joseph Woods, 1876 |
| Adopted | 1940 (as national hymn) 1977 (as national anthem) |
God Defend New Zealand is one of the two national anthems of New Zealand. It is also known by its Māori name, Aotearoa, which simply means "New Zealand". This song started as a poem written by Thomas Bracken in the 1870s. Later, John Joseph Woods composed music for it in 1876.
New Zealand has another national anthem, "God Save the Queen". This song is also the national anthem for the United Kingdom and a royal anthem for many other countries.
The Story of the Anthem
The poem "God Defend New Zealand" was written by Thomas Bracken in the 1870s. In 1876, a competition was held to find music for the poem. The prize was ten guineas, which was a good amount of money back then. John Joseph Woods won this competition with his music.
Just two years later, in 1878, Thomas Henry Smith translated the lyrics into Māori. Māori is one of New Zealand's official languages. The song became very popular. In 1940, it was adopted as a national hymn. Later, in 1977, it officially became one of New Zealand's national anthems.
Understanding the Lyrics
The words to "God Defend New Zealand" are now free for everyone to use. This means they are no longer protected by copyright.
The Māori lyrics have a slightly different meaning compared to the English lyrics. Both versions ask for blessings and protection for New Zealand.
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God of Nations at Thy feet, |
E Ihowā Atua, |
Images for kids
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Original manuscript of words for "God Defend New Zealand" by Thomas Bracken
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First page of Woods' original manuscript setting Bracken's poem to music
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Heritage New Zealand blue plaque at the site of the first performance in Dunedin
See also
In Spanish: God Defend New Zealand para niños
