"God Defend New Zealand" is one of two national anthems of New Zealand, the other being "God Save the Queen". Legally they have equal status, but "God Defend New Zealand" is more commonly used, and is popularly referred to as "the national anthem". Originally written as a poem, it was set to music as part of a competition in 1876. Over the years its popularity increased, eventually being named the second national anthem in 1977. The anthem has English and Māori lyrics, with slightly different meanings. When performed in public, the usual practice is to sing both the Māori and English first verses.
Read more about God Defend New Zealand: History, Protocol, Lyrics
Famous quotes containing the words god, defend and/or zealand:
“I have only ever made one prayer to God, a very short one: “O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.” And God granted it.”
—Voltaire [François Marie Arouet] (1694–1778)
“All women, from the countess to the cook-maid, are put into high good humor with themselves when a man is taken with them at first sight. And be they ever so plain, they will find twenty good reasons to defend the judgment of such a man.”
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)
“Teasing is universal. Anthropologists have found the same fundamental patterns of teasing among New Zealand aborigine children and inner-city kids on the playgrounds of Philadelphia.”
—Lawrence Kutner (20th century)