The popularity of 'God Defend New Zealand' continued to grow throughout the 19th century and entered the 20th century as one of the most popular hymns of the period. Through the efforts of many people, mainly John McDermott, chief engineer of the Post Office from 1935-39 and an enthusiastic admirer of Bracken's work, 'God Defend New Zealand' was made New Zealand's national song in time for the 1940 Centennial celebrations.
In 1976, almost 100 years after the first public performance, a petition carrying 7750 signatures, organised in Dunedin by Mr G. H. Latta and others and calling for 'God Defend New Zealand' to become the national anthem of New Zealand was presented to the Petitions Committee of Parliament.
With the permission of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Government adopted 'God Defend New Zealand' as a national anthem of equal status in New Zealand with 'God Save The Queen' .
Is it not true that New Zealand has only one national anthem - 'God Defend New Zealand'?
New Zealand has two national anthems of equal standing. 'God Defend New Zealand' was elevated to the status of national anthem in 1977. At the same time the status of 'God Save The Queen' as our national anthem was reconfirmed
Is it not true that the New Zealand national anthem is 'God Save The Queen' while 'God Defend New Zealand' is the national hymn?
The traditional anthem of New Zealand has been 'God Save The Queen' which was used in place of an official anthem from 1840 onwards. While it is true that 'God Defend New Zealand' was made the New Zealand national hymn in 1940 it became joint national anthem in 1977.
Introduction
'National songs, ballads and hymns have a tendency to elevate the character of
a people and keep alive the fire of patriotism in their breasts'. The Saturday
Advertiser and New Zealand Literary Miscellany, 1 July 1876
New Zealand holds a rare position in the world in that it has two national
anthems of equal standing - 'God Defend New Zealand' and 'God Save The Queen'.
Both of these anthems have origins which have been inspired by the fire of
patriotism yet were written under markedly different situations.
For guidance in choosing which anthem should be presented on any occasion, Her Majesty has agreed that 'God Save The Queen' would be specially appropriate at any occasion where Her Majesty The Queen, or a member of the Royal Family, or the Governor-General, when within New Zealand, is officially present or when loyalty to the crown is to be stressed, while 'God Defend New Zealand' would be specially appropriate whenever the national identity of New Zealand is to be stressed even in association with a toast to Her Majesty as Queen of New Zealand.
Both anthems may be presented at the same occasion, if this course should appear to be appropriate, but the usual situation will be for one or the other to be played or performed as appropriate to the occasion.
There are no set guidelines when performing 'God Defend New Zealand' in both English and Maori. The current protocol allows for either version to be sung in any order. However, when singing the first verse in Maori it is practice to repeat the verse in English.
Any further queries regarding the performance of the National Anthems should be forwarded to:
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
PO Box 5364
Wellington
Ph: +64-4 499 4229
Email: info@mch.govt.nz
Prime Minister Richard Seddon presents a copy of words and music for 'God Defend New Zealand' to Queen Victoria.
Cabinet considers a request, led by John McDermott, to make 'God Defend New Zealand' our National Song in time for the Centennial Year.
Announcement proclaiming 'God Defend New Zealand' as the National Song of New Zealand made by Prime Minister Peter Fraser.
Attempt made by Prime Minister Norman Kirk to promote 'God Defend New Zealand' to status as a National Anthem. This bid was unsuccessful.
Petition presented to Parliament asking that 'God Defend New Zealand' become New Zealand's official anthem.
On Monday, 21 November, then Minister of Internal Affairs Hon D A Highet, announced in the New Zealand Gazette 'that the National Anthems of New Zealand shall be the traditional anthem 'God Save The Queen' and the poem 'God Defend New Zealand', written by Thomas Bracken, as set to music by John Joseph Woods, both being of equal status as national anthems appropriate to the occasion'. This action was given with the consent of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II