Story: National anthems

Thomas Bracken: writer (1st of 3)

Thomas Bracken's poem 'God defend New Zealand' inspired a competition to compose suitable music, which was won by John Woods. This 1879 edition of the sheet music features portraits of both men.

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Hocken Library, University of Otago
Reference: S12-542

Permission of the Hocken Library Uare Taoka o Hakena, University of Otago, must be obtained before any re-use of this image. Further information may be obtained from the Library through its website.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'National anthems - History of ‘God defend New Zealand’', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/33761/thomas-bracken-writer (accessed 18 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 20 Jun 2012