Story: Poetry

Thomas Bracken's grave

Thomas Bracken's grave

Although he was also a politician and a journalist, Thomas Bracken was described first on his gravestone as 'Poet', and the stone includes a verse from the poem he was best known for in the 19th century: 'Not understood'. In the 21st century he was better known as the author of the national anthem, 'God defend New Zealand'.

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Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Photograph by Jock Phillips

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How to cite this page:

John Newton, 'Poetry - Colonial poetry', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/43054/thomas-brackens-grave (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by John Newton, published 22 Oct 2014