The New Zealand National Anthem

The words and music to New Zealand's 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

Collection items

  • The New Zealand National Anthem

    1 Apr 2000

    Frankie Stevens singing the National Anthem of New Zealand, from a CD produced by the Department of the Internal Affairs in 2000. Audio

    This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions.

The New Zealand Flag

Music by John Joseph Woods

Words by Thomas Bracken

External links