A New Dictionary

The first verse of our National Anthem is commonly sung, but the other verses of the song are largely unknown.

The poem was written by Thomas Bracken in the 1870s; the music composed by John Joseph Woods in 1876. The popularity of 'God Defend New Zealand' continued to grow throughout the 19th century and entered the 20th century as one of the most popular hymns of the period. In 1940, 'God Defend New Zealand' was pronounced as the national hymn, but it wasn't until 1977 that, with the Queen's consent, 'God Defend New Zealand' was raised to the position of national anthem and given equal status with 'God Save the Queen'.

God Defend New Zealand
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 ev'ry 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.