"God Defend New Zealand" (National Anthem) The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra kindly recorded a performance of the National Anthem especially for New Zealand on the Web. Click the image at the start of the paragraph to hear it. We would like to express our extreme gratitude to those who made it possible: Kenneth Young Conductor in Residence of the NZSO.

Conductor in Residence of the NZSO. Michael Fine - Grammy-winning record producer from Koch International Records.

Grammy-winning record producer from Koch International Records. Sam Negri - Recording engineer

Recording engineer Dale Gold - Principal Double Bassist for the NZSO, and the prime motivator in making this recording possible.

Principal Double Bassist for the NZSO, and the prime motivator in making this recording possible. and especially ... The Players of the NZSO - who donated their services at the end of an extremely difficult and tiring recording session. Note: Though God Defend New Zealand is our most commonly used New Zealand national anthem, many do not know that God Save the Queen is the official alternative. While patriotic, this particular tune spurs not in a New Zealander what God Defend New Zealand does, sung proudly at any sports event. God Defend New Zealand

Words by Thomas Bracken, music by John J. Woods

Music for the first verse follows. English Lyrics Maori Lyrics Maori Lyrics Translated

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

E Ihowa Atua,

O nga iwi matou ra

Ata whakarongona;

Me aroha noa

Kia hua ko te pai;

Kia tau to atawhai;

Manaakitia mai

Aotearoa

O Lord, God,

Of all people

Listen to us,

Cherish us

May good flourish,

May your blessings flow

Defend Aotearoa

Men of ev'ry 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.

Ona mano tangata

Kiri whero, kiri ma,

Iwi Maori Pakeha,

Repeke katoa,

Nei ka tono ko nga he

Mau e whakaahu ke,

Kia ora marire

Aotearoa

Let all people,

Red skin, white skin

Mäori, Päkehä

Gather before you

May all our wrongs, we pray,

Be forgiven

So that we might say long live

Aotearoa

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.

Tona mana kia tü!

Tona kaha kia ü;

Tona rongo hei pakü

Ki te ao katoa

Aua rawa nga whawhai

Nga tutü a tata mai;

Kia tupu nui ai

Aotearoa

May it be forever prestigious,

May it go from strength to strength,

May its fam spread far and wide,

Let not strife

Nor dissention ensue,

May it ever be great

Aotearoa

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.

Waiho tona takiwa

Ko te ao marama;

Kia whiti tona ra

Taiawhio noa.

Ko te hae me te ngangau

Meinga kia kore kau;

Waiho i te rongo mau

Aotearoa

Let its territory

Be ever enlightened

Throughout the land

Let envy and dissension

Be dispelled,

Let peace reign

Over Aotearoa

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.

Tona pai me toitü

Tika rawa, ponu pü;

Tona noho, tana tü;

Iwi no Ihowa.

Kaua mona whakama;

Kia hau te ingoa;

Kia tü hei tauira;

Aotearoa

Let its good features endure,

Let righteousness and honesty prevail

Among the people of God

Let it never be ashamed,

But rather, let its name be known

Thereby becoming the model to emulate

Aotearoa

Dale Gold contributed this image.

New Zealand Guide Book Quick Links Facts, Weather, Language, Food, Music, History, Hitchhicker's Guide, Natural History Find Accommodation Abbots Hamilton – Hotel and Conference Centre - Hotel. Abbots Hamilton - Hotel and Conference Centre offers private rooms with free unlimited WiFi, free movie channels, with... All NZ Accommodation Find Tours and Activities Starting from NZ $235.00 per person. Otago Peninsula package from Dunedin - full day - Wildlife - Dunedin. A full day exploring the exciting and diverse wildlife that makes its home on the Otago Peninsula. Dramatic views and... All NZ Activities