Story: National anthems

Thomas Bracken: handwritten manuscript (2nd of 3)

When Premier George Grey heard 'God defend New Zealand' performed for the first time, he was so moved that he wrote to Thomas Bracken, asking for the original manuscript of the poem. This handwritten copy of the words, sent by Bracken to Grey in 1878, is held in the Grey collection at Auckland City Libraries.

Using this item

Auckland City Libraries - Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero, Sir George Grey Special Collections
Reference: GNZMS 6

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'National anthems - History of ‘God defend New Zealand’', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/33762/thomas-bracken-handwritten-manuscript (accessed 23 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 20 Jun 2012