Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
On this day in 1898, Thomas Bracken, the poet behind 'God Defend New Zealand', passed away š³šæ
Fast forward to 2011 with documentary āGod Defend New Zealandā. Hosted by David Farrier, it takes a closer look at our national anthem. Digging through the archives, Farrier traces how Brackenās poem, set to music by John Joseph Woods, became a national symbol, from early performances and Olympic podium moments to debates around te reo MÄori versions and what the anthem means today.
š Watch the full documentary at NZ On Screen.
On this day in 1898, Thomas Bracken, the poet behind 'God Defend New Zealand', passed away š³šæ
Fast forward to 2011 with documentary āGod Defend New Zealandā. Hosted by David Farrier, it takes a closer look at our national anthem. Digging through the archives, Farrier traces how Brackenās poem, set to music by John Joseph Woods, became a national symbol, from early performances and Olympic podium moments to debates around te reo MÄori versions and what the anthem means today.
š Watch the full documentary at NZ On Screen.
