National Anthem or Call to Arms?

Research by Auckland military historian Colin Andrews has cast a new light on NZ’s national anthem, penned by Thomas Bracken in 1876. Andrews believes that the line “Guard Pacific’s triple star” refers to the three stars displayed on Maori battle flags during the Land Wars, not, as was previously thought, to NZ’s three principal land masses. He thus interprets God Defend New Zealand as plea for God to protect Maori in their armed struggle against European settlers. A Liberal MP, Bracken was known for his anti-colonialist views and veneration of Maori culture.