New Zealand National Anthem - God Defend New Zealand
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God Defend New Zealand
The words to the English version of 'God Defend New Zealand' were written by Thomas Bracken, and the music by John Joseph Woods (1876). The Anthem, as we know it, was first sung on Christmas Day 1876 in Dunedin by The Lydia Howarde Burlesque and Opera Buffe Troupe accompanied by the Royal Artillery Band. The Anthem became New Zealand's National Hymn in 1940 and since 1977 has had equal status with 'God Save the Queen' as New Zealand's National Anthem.
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.