In this podcast well known broadcaster and writer Max Cryer tells the story of how verses set down by Irish born Dunedinite Thomas Bracken in the 1 July 1876 edition of the weekly "Saturday Advertiser" newspaper would eventually be officially recognised as New Zealand's national anthem.
Bracken was also a published poet of note with a large number of his poems housed in Auckland library’s Heritage Collection. A selection of these are included in this podcast and read by Haunui Royal, Pouarataki Taonga Tuku Iho Maori at Auckland Libraries.
National Anthem can be found here:
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/manuscripts/id/13536/rec/4
https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/manuscripts/id/13529/rec/9
Poems and collections which can be found through the catalogue which will direct you to Heritage Collections at the Central City Library:
The haunted vale ; a legend of the Murray, and other poems and lyrics (1867)
‘Dunedin from the bay’ (1890)
'Behind the Tomb' (1871)
'Lyrics to God defend New Zealand, written in Thomas Bracken's hand' (1876)
'Not Understood' (1869)
'Musings in Maoriland' (1890)
'Lays of the land of the Maori and moa' (1884)
'The triumph of woman's rights : a prophetic vision' (1892)
Image credit: Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections 996-534 - St Clair and St Kilda Beaches, Dunedin, N.Z
