National anthems of New Zealand facts for kids

New Zealand is a special country because it has two official national anthems! Most countries only have one. These two songs are "God Save the Queen" and "God Defend New Zealand". They both have the same important status.

"God Save the Queen" is usually played for royal events. This includes when the King or Queen visits. It is also played when the Governor-General is present. The Governor-General is the King's representative in New Zealand.

"God Defend New Zealand" is used more often to show New Zealand's identity. You will hear it at big sports games. It is sung in both English and Māori. Māori is the language of the Māori people. Sometimes, both anthems are played!

"God Save the Queen" Anthem

"God Save the Queen" was New Zealand's only national anthem until 1977. Now, it is mostly played for royal occasions. This means when the King, Queen, or another member of the Royal Family is there. It is also used when a royal anthem is needed. Sometimes, it is played on special days like Anzac Day.

Other countries in the Commonwealth realm also use "God Save the Queen." These include Canada and Australia. However, in those countries, it is only a royal anthem. It is not an official national anthem like it is in New Zealand. New Zealand now uses "God Save the Queen" mainly for events linked to the monarchy.

"God Defend New Zealand" Anthem

The song "God Defend New Zealand" was written by Thomas Bracken. He wrote it in the 1870s. In 1940, the New Zealand government bought the rights to the song. They made it New Zealand's national hymn. This was just in time for the country's 100-year celebrations.

The song was first used at the British Empire Games in 1950. It was then used at the Olympics starting in 1972. After it was played at the Munich Olympics, people wanted it to become the official national anthem.

In 1976, a group of people asked the Parliament to make "God Defend New Zealand" the national anthem. With permission from Queen Elizabeth II, it became official. On 21 November 1977, it was made the country's second national anthem. It had the same important status as "God Save the Queen."

Anthems in the Realm of New Zealand

New Zealand is part of a larger group called the Realm of New Zealand. This group includes the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and the Ross Dependency. Most of these places have their own separate anthems.

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

Images for kids

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  The original sheet music for "God Defend New Zealand"