December 21st, 1843
Thomas Bracken (21 December 1843 – 16 February 1898) a New Zealand poet, journalist and politician, was born at Clones, Ireland, on December 21, 1843
In 1869 he moved to Dunedin from Geelong, Australia, where he got a job at the Otago Guardian.
He wrote “God Defend New Zealand”, one of the two national anthems of New Zealand, and was the first person to publish the phrase “God’s Own Country” as applied to New Zealand. He also won the Otago Caledonian Society’s prize for poetry.
Two National Anthems
New Zealand has two national anthems: ‘God save the Queen’ (or ‘God save the King’), which is also the British national anthem, became the national anthem when New Zealand was made a British colony in 1840. ‘God defend New Zealand’ was composed in the 1870s, and became a national anthem in 1977
Meaning of the NZ National Anthem
In God Defend New Zealand the first verse refers to ‘Pacific’s triple star’ – a line that has intrigued many. The meaning isn’t certain as Bracken didn’t leave detailed notes, but popular belief is that ‘Pacific’s triple star’ refers to New Zealand’s three main islands: the North, South and Stewart Islands.
God Defend New Zealand
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.
