Gavin's Home Page
The New Zealand Anthem
> God
Defend New Zealand
> Aotearoa
Any corrections or comments are welcome. Contact me.
Last updated 10 February 2001.
The New Zealand Anthem
New Zealand has two national anthems: God Save the Queen and God Defend New Zealand. There are two official sets of lyrics for God Defend New Zealand: the English lyrics, reproduced here, and the Māori lyrics.. The two songs are not translations of each other. I do not have a translation for Aotearoa.
GOD DEFEND NEW ZEALAND
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 nation's van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out thy glorious plan.
God defend New Zealand.
Māori Language Home Page | Aotearoa
These lyrics reproduced from The New Zealand Official Yearbook 1998.