"God Defend New Zealand" is one of the national anthems of New Zealand, along with "God Save the Queen." Here are some interesting facts about the anthem:
Composition: The music for "God Defend New Zealand" was composed by John Joseph Woods in the late 19th century. The lyrics were written by Thomas Bracken.
Dual Language Anthem: One unique feature of the anthem is that it is commonly sung in both English and Māori, one of the official languages of New Zealand. The Māori version is called "Aotearoa."
Adoption as National Anthem: It wasn't until 1977 that "God Defend New Zealand" was officially adopted as one of New Zealand's national anthems. Prior to that, "God Save the Queen" was the sole national anthem.
Public Participation: The tradition in New Zealand is to sing the anthem with enthusiasm and pride during various national events, including sports competitions where New Zealand is represented.
Recognition in Law: In 2000, New Zealand passed legislation to give "God Defend New Zealand" equal status with "God Save the Queen" in all respects. This means it is recognized as the national anthem in its own right.
Recordings and Performances: The anthem has been recorded by various artists and performed on numerous occasions, contributing to its popularity and recognition.
Symbolic Themes: The lyrics of the anthem reflect themes of national identity, natural beauty, and the people's resilience. It speaks about the diverse landscapes and the unity of the people of New Zealand.
Historical Context: The anthem's lyrics were written during a competition held by The Saturday Advertiser in 1875. The words by Thomas Bracken were chosen as the winning entry, and John Woods later set them to music.
"God Defend New Zealand" holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealanders and is an integral part of the country's cultural and national identity.