John Joseph Woods

John Joseph Woods
Born1849
Died (aged 85)
Lawrence, New Zealand
Known forComposer of "God Defend New Zealand"
SpouseHarriet Plunket
Children4

John Joseph Woods (1849 – 9 June 1934) was a New Zealand teacher and songwriter. He is best known for winning a competition to set "God Defend New Zealand", a poem by Thomas Bracken, to music. By doing this, he composed the tune to what later became New Zealand's national anthem.[1] Woods was also the Tuapeka County Council clerk for 55 years.[2]

  1. ^ Cryer, Max (2004). Hear Our Voices, We Entreat. Auckland: Exisle Publishing. p. 37. ISBN 0-908988-35-4.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference mch was invoked but never defined (see the help page).