The first stanza of the hymn is in Maori and the second in English, the two official languages of New Zealand.

"God Defend New Zealand" (Māori: "Aotearoa", lit. 'New Zealand') is one of two national anthems of New Zealand, the other being "God Save the Queen". Legally the two have equal status, but "God Defend New Zealand" is more commonly used. Originally written as a poem, it was set to music as part of a competition in 1876. Over the years its popularity increased, and it was eventually named the second national anthem in 1977. The anthem has English and Māori lyrics, with slightly different meanings. Since the late 1990s, the usual practice when performed in public is to sing the first verse in both Māori and English.

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