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Friday, April 8, 2011

National Anthem of New Zealand

What our National Anthem means for me personally
In the first week or arriving in New Zealand back in October 2005, I watched an All Blacks rugby match on TV and for the first time in my life heard New Zealand's national anthem.  For some strange reason, halfway into the first verse, I felt my throat tightening up, my breathing stop and my eyes blurring as they filled with tears - this for me was a very weird feeling as in my entire life I can probably count on one hand the number of times I became emotional to the point of shedding tears.  But this was strangely different - I quietly left the lounge, composed myself and returned to watch an excellent game of rugby - and yes the All Blacks won the game !!

A year or two passed and one morning I attended my little girl's school Assembly.  Then it hit me again for the second time - the entire school stood to sing the national anthem. The exact same feelings washed over me once again and I had to leave the hall quietly, holding back the tears and forcing myself to breathe.  A few months later I attended another school Assembly with the same results.

Then in April 2011 we were invited to our Citizenship Ceremony at which we had to sing the national anthem - I thought I was prepared but once again, halfway into the first verse I was so chocked up I could not even mumble the words let alone sing them.  So, sadly, to this day I have yet to sing our beautiful national anthem.

Click here to hear the New Zealand National Anthem

New Zealand's National Anthem

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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