The New Zealand national anthem, "God Defend New Zealand" (or "Aotearoa" in Māori), is unique in that it has both English and Māori versions. Here's a breakdown of its lyrics and meaning: ### English Version **Verse 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 **Meaning:** This verse calls upon God to protect New Zealand, referring to the nation as a place where people come together in love. It asks for protection from conflict and hopes for the country's praise to be recognized globally. "Pacific's triple star" refers to the three main islands of New Zealand. **Verse 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 **Meaning:** This verse emphasizes New Zealand's diversity, with people of various beliefs and ethnic backgrounds coming together. It seeks God's blessing to protect the country from internal strife, envy, hatred, and corruption, aspiring for New Zealand to be a good and great nation. **Verse 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 **Meaning:** This verse highlights New Zealand's preference for peace over war but acknowledges the need for strength in defense if the country is threatened. It calls on God to ensure that any conflict New Zealand faces is just and righteous. **Verse 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 **Meaning:** This verse prays for an increase in the nation's love for God and continual blessings, including abundance and peace. It asks for protection of New Zealand's honor and reputation, seeking lasting fame and recognition. **Verse 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 nations' van Preaching love and truth to man Working out Thy glorious plan God defend New Zealand **Meaning:** This verse metaphorically describes New Zealand's mountains as symbols of freedom. It calls for the nation to remain faithful to God and to be a leader among nations, promoting love and truth and fulfilling a divine purpose. ### Māori Version **Verse 1:** 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 **Meaning:** This verse addresses God, asking for His attention and love. It prays for prosperity and grace to be upon the land, seeking blessings and protection for Aotearoa (New Zealand). **Verse 2:** Ōna mano tāngata Kiri whero, kiri mā Iwi Māori Pākehā Rūpeke katoa Nei ka tono ko ngā hē Māu e whakaahu kē Kia ora mārire Aotearoa **Meaning:** This verse speaks of New Zealand's diverse population, including Māori and Pākehā (non-Māori), coming together. It asks for forgiveness of wrongs and guidance towards peace and well-being for Aotearoa. **Verse 3:** Tōna mana kia tū Tōna kaha kia ū Tōna rongo hei paku Ki te ao katoa Aua rā te kaikiri Te taikaha me te whi Kia tū ko te tika Aotearoa **Meaning:** This verse calls for the nation's strength and reputation to be upheld globally. It seeks protection from prejudice, tyranny, and conflict, asking for righteousness to prevail in Aotearoa. **Verse 4:** Waiho tona takiwā Ko te ao mārama Kia whiti tōna rā Taiawhio noa Ko te hae me te ngangau Meinga kia kore kau Waiho i te rongo mau Aotearoa **Meaning:** This verse prays for New Zealand to remain a place of enlightenment and peace. It asks for the nation's light to shine everywhere, free from envy and conflict, and to be a place of lasting peace. **Verse 5:** Tōna pai me toitū Tika rawa, pono pū Tōna noho, tāna tū Iwi nō Ihowā Kaua mōna whakamā Kia hau te ingoa Kia tū hei tauira Aotearoa **Meaning:** This verse hopes for New Zealand to maintain its goodness, righteousness, and truth. It prays for the nation to stand firm, belonging to God, free from shame, and to be an example for others to follow. Overall, the anthem is a prayer for divine protection, peace, unity, and prosperity for New Zealand, reflecting the country's values and aspirations.
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 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 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
I am a Filipina and when i start to search the New Zealand 🇳🇿 national anthem i was been touch and i always play this again and again and learn to sing this national anthem ❤❤❤ if i sing this with feelings like this anyway i love to explore and know more national anthem but this national anthem is # 1 in my heart ❤❤❤❤
"use of this clip in churches" this clip was announced (in Germany) as a Christian music. No! Never! Just listen to the lyrics from 2:10...... "...men of every creed and race..." the lyrics was written by Thomas Bracken in the 1870ties as a poem. Some years later John Joseph Woods has written the melody. Thomas Bracken was a freethinker! Don't forget! I can't imagine he didn't just think about christians, but as written in the poem, on every religion! Be aware: No one can be absolutely sure, his religion is the only right one! Churches are just Christians houses of god!
Moved to Australia from NZ when the politicians started to destroy the country. I miss NZ so much though. Listening to this brings so much tears to my eyes. Reminds me of all those amaaaazing days in NZ growing up watching all blacks. Nothing compares to NZ, it's a paradise. Shame greed and politics is killing the country :(
God bless New Zealand, such a beautiful National Anthem! I’m Australian citizens 🇦🇺 born in 🇵🇭 Philippines. First time I heard it, it melts my heart…the best National Anthem ❤
I’ve never been to New Zealand, but this...THIS... is AMAZING! As a national anthems nerd, this has GOT to be one of my favorites! Perfectly represents your beautiful country, like a praise song in church. God defend New Zealand; I would love to visit some day! ❤️🇳🇿
Wala ko nagdahom nga nindot kaau Ang national anthem sa new Zealand pangandoy lang nku nga makaabot ko dri sauna karun 6 months nku nagpuyo dria pagkanice nga lugar murag dria nagpuyo SI adan ug Eva..
Its been 8yrs in but my husband is here from 24yrs (fiji Indian) my daughter is a kiwi I want her to learn Māori language coz i love nz ❤ This is the place where minds their own business ❤ #Nzforever
I am an Indian but my husband and daughter they are kiwi (Indian) but I get emotional after listening nz anthem❤love nz ❤This the the country where people live in their own way ❤
@lilysmeith8224 ... remember: there are also New Zealands warship in red sea region! What is the national Anthem lyrics? 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. New Zealand are (about) the three Islands (.....Guard Pacific's triple star....), but they need the free ship-routes to Europe through Suez Canal, and so they are threatened by blocking this route......
Dual citizen here. I am a dual citizen. I have a NZ passport from birth because my father is native to new zealand. Born and raised in auckland. I miss being in NZ every day. Love this anthem.
I lived in your wonderful country for a year and learnt the anthem. Wales is God’s country but a few changes needed to be made so he created New Zealand. By far the most beautiful place I’ve ever been, scenery and people, I hope to return and never leave.
