God Defend New Zealand

This David Farrier-fronted documentary traces the history of New Zealand's national anthem. Farrier dives into the archives to tell the story of the Thomas Bracken poem set to music by John Joseph Woods; and a band of 2011 musos have a bash at updating it. The patriotic ditty was first played at an Olympic medal ceremony when our rowing eight won gold in 1972, displacing 'God Save the Queen'; and it was adapted into Māori as early as 1882 but a te reo version still caused controversy in 1999. The doco screened on TV3 the day before the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

The product of an Irishman’s song writing competition during the 1800s, judged by three German guys living in Australia!

– David Farrier

Key Cast & Crew

Cass Avery

Producer

Francis Glenday

Editor

Chris Tate

Sound

Leon Kirkbeck

Camera, Executive Producer, Director

Bevan Crothers

Camera

David Farrier

Presenter