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National anthems of New Zealand facts for kids

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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 Queen" is generally used only on royal and viceregal occasions. "God Defend New Zealand" is more commonly used on occasions when the national identity of New Zealand is the focus, such as sports events, where it is sung with English and Māori verses. On a few occasions both anthems may be used.

God Save the Queen

"God Save the Queen" was the sole national anthem until 1977, but is now most often played only when the sovereign, Governor-General or other member of the Royal Family is present, or in other situations where a royal anthem would be used, or on some occasions such as Anzac Day.

Some other Commonwealth realms such as Canada and Australia use "God Save the Queen", but unlike New Zealand, it does not have co-official status as national anthem in those countries. It is regarded solely as a royal anthem, and is used only on monarchy-related occasions. However, its use in those countries are similar to that of New Zealand as New Zealand nowadays uses "God Save the Queen" almost exclusively on occasions associated with the monarchy.

God Defend New Zealand

"God Defend New Zealand" was written by Thomas Bracken in the 1870s, and in 1940 the New Zealand government bought the copyright and made it New Zealand's national hymn in time for that year's centennial celebrations. It was used at the British Empire Games from 1950 onward, and at the Olympics from 1972. Following the performance at the Munich games, a campaign began to have the song adopted as the national anthem.

In 1976 a petition was presented to Parliament asking "God Defend New Zealand" to be made the national anthem. With the permission 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 Queen".

Other parts of the Realm of New Zealand

Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau and the Ross Dependency form the Realm of New Zealand along with New Zealand proper and most have separate anthems.

"Te Atua Mou E" and "Ko e Iki he Lagi" are anthems of Cook Islands and Niue, respectively. Tokelau uses "God Save the Queen" as its sole national anthem. The Ross Dependency uses the national anthems of New Zealand.


Images for kids

  • God Defend New Zealand manuscript cropped

    The original sheet music for "God Defend New Zealand"

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