Skip to main content

Kōrero: Arts and social engagement

'French letter'

Remote Media URL

The New Zealand reggae group Herbs released the song 'French letter' in 1982 in protest against French nuclear testing in the South Pacific. It became a popular hit and a protest anthem. When France briefly resumed testing in 1995, the band re-released the track. This clip shows the group performing the new version.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

NZ On Screen

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Ben Schrader, Arts and social engagement – Criticising society, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/interactive/45291/french-letter (accessed 25 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Ben Schrader, i tāngia i te 15 May 2014.