The national anthem of New Zealand is "God Defend New Zealand".
The lyrics were written in 1870 by Thomas Bracken, while the music was composed in 1876. It was played for the first time in public on Christmas day 1876 at the Regent Theatre, Dunedin, by the Royal Artillery Band, and the lyrics sung by a ludicrous ensemble and an opera troop. It immediately met with success. The piece, which was translated into the Maori language, became the national anthem in 1977, with
God save the Queen.
Auckland bay and port
New Zealand's flag was designed in 1865 at the time when the British Empire used to oblige the ships of its colonies to fly the British flag, marked with the emblem of the colony. The blue background depicts the sea which surrounds the archipelago and the sky, and the stars symbolise the southern hemisphere. The Union Jack, in one angle of the flag, shows how attached this country, which became independent in 1947, is to the British crown.
In the bond 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 nations' van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.