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Kōrero: National anthems

Te reo anthem

Video file

Hinewehi Mohi's decision to sing 'God defend New Zealand' in Māori before a rugby test match in England in 1999 led to fervent debate and, ultimately, a new tradition. From that time, it became customary to sing the first verse of the anthem in both Māori and English on such occasions.

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Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Nancy Swarbrick, National anthems – Analysing the anthems, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/video/33775/te-reo-anthem (accessed 25 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Nancy Swarbrick, i tāngia i te 2 April 2012.