New
Zealand National Anthem
Source: http://www.chemistry.co.nz/new_zealand_national_anthem.htm
Thomas Bracken
wrote his poem in the early 1870s, and offered a prize of 10 guineas for
the best musical setting. This was won by Otago schoolteacher John Joseph
Woods. In 1940, on the recommendation of the NZ Centennial Council, the
Government declared God Defend New Zealand to be the National Hymn, and
bought the copyright. In 1977, with the Queen's consent, God Defend New
Zealand was given equal status with God Save the Queen as one of New Zealand's
national anthems.
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.
