New Zealand's National Anthem
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. (Wikipaedia)
GOdsownNZ believes this is not only a beautiful song, but an hymn, a prayer and a declaration. We New Zealanders need to be proud of our anthem, and sing and pray it, to the Glory of God, and for His (actual - in reality) defence and blessing of this nation, and New Zealand's (good) reputation in the world.
God of Nations at thy feet E Ihowä Atua, In the bonds of love we meet, O ngä iwi mätouä
Hear our voices we entreat, Äta whakarongona
God defend our free land. Me aroha noa
Guard Pacific's triple star Kia hua ko te pai;
From the shafts of strife and war, Kia tau tö atawhai;
Make her praises heard afar, Manaakitia mai
God defend New Zealand. Aotearoa
Men of every creed and race, Öna mano tangata
Gather here before Thy face, Kiri whero, kiri mä,
Asking Thee to bless this place, Iwi Mäori Päkehä,
God defend our free land Repeke katoa,
From dissension, envy, hate, Nei ka tono ko ngä hë
And corruption guard our State. Mäu e whakaahu kë,
Make our country good and great, Kia ora märire
God defend New Zealand. Aotearoa
Peace, not war, shall be our boast, Töna mana kia tü!
But, should foes assail our coast, Töna kaha kia ü;
Make us then a mighty host, Töna rongo hei pakü
God defend our free land Ki te ao katoa
Lord of battles, in Thy might, Aua rawa ngä whawhai
Put our enemies to flight, Ngä tutü a tata mai;
Let our cause be just and right, Kia tupu nui ai
God defend New Zealand. Aotearoa
Let our love for thee increase, Waiha tona takiwä
May thy blessings never cease, Ko te ao märama;
Give us plenty, give us peace, Kia whiti töna rä
God defend our free land. Taiäwhio noa.
From dishonour and from shame, Ko te hae me te ngangau
Guard our country's spotless name, Meinga kia kore kau;
Crown her with immortal fame, Waiho i te rongo mau
God defend New Zealand. Aotearoa
May our mountains ever be Töna pai me toitü
Freedom's ramparts on the sea, Tika rawa, ponu pü;
Make us faithful unto Thee, Töna noho, tana tü;
God defend our free land. Iwi nö Ihowä.
Guide her in the nations' van, Kaua möna whakamä;
Preaching love and truth to man, Kia hau te ingoa;
Working out Thy glorious plan, Kia tü hei tauira;
God defend New Zealand. Aotearoa
(Amen) (Amene)
