The New Zealand National Anthem
God Defend New Zealand / Aotearoa
The first verses from the English and Māori versions of New Zealand's National Anthem
English Version
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.
Māori Version
E Ihowā Atua,
O ngā iwi mātou rā
Āta whakarangona;
Me aroha noa
Kia hua ko te pai;
Kia tau tō atawhai;
Manaakitia mai
Aotearoa
Listen to other versions of the National Anthem on the Ministry of Culture and Heritage website.
The National Anthem in New Zealand Sign Language
Music by John Joseph Woods
Words by Thomas Bracken