Even though in sporting events we sing only the first verse from the Maori and English, the song actually does have 5 verses! I couldn't believe it when I first sung it, especially since I had been living in New Zealand for over 21 years!I also could not believe the incredibly high standard of the lyrics. As I sang the song it actually made me proud to be a New Zealander. The song proclaims unity, peace, love, righteousness, truth and good. The standard it is talking about is not one that changes with culture, but is true at all times, claiming that this high standard is external to us humans. It calls us to be good no matter what circumstance we are in. And most of all, it asks God to guide us as He works out His plan.
- 1
- God of nations! at Thy feet
- In the bonds of love we meet,
- Hear our voices, we entreat,
- God defend our Free Land.
- Guard Pacific's triple star,
- From the shafts of strife and war,
- Make her praises heard afar,
- God defend New Zealand
- 2
- Men of ev'ry creed and race
- Gather here before Thy face
- Asking Thee to bless this place
- God defend our free land
- From dissension, envy, hate
- And corruption guard our State
- Make our country good and great
- God defend New Zealand
- 3
- Peace, not war, shall be our boast
- But should our foes assail our coast
- Make us then a mighty host
- God defend our free land
- Lord of battles, in Thy might
- Put our enemies to flight
- Let our cause be just and right
- God defend New Zealand
- 4
- Let our love for Thee increase
- May Thy blessings never cease
- Give us plenty, give us peace
- God defend our free land
- From dishonour and from shame
- Guard our country's spotless name
- Crown her with immortal fame
- God defend New Zealand
- 5
- May our mountains ever be
- Freedom's ramparts on the sea
- Make us faithful unto Thee
- God defend our free land
- Guide her in the nations' van
- Preaching love and truth to man
- Working out Thy Glorious plan
- God defend New Zealand
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