New Zealand
Aotearoa
E Ihowā Atua,
O ngā iwi mātou rā
Āta whakarongona;
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.
English translation of the te reo Māori verse
God Defend New Zealand
O Lord God,
Of all peoples,
Hear us,
Show us your love.
Let goodness flourish,
Let your blessings flow,
Protect us
Aotearoa (New Zealand).
At official events, it’s common to sing one verse in Māori followed by one verse in English.
New Zealand is unusual in that it officially has two national anthems: “God Defend New Zealand,” which is used most of the time, and “God Save the King,” which is reserved for royal occasions.
