During research for a club event last year, Beaumont woman Alison Joyce noted 2026 would be an auspicious anniversary for the New Zealand national anthem, and its link to nearby Lawrence. In 1876, prominent Lawrence citizen John Joseph Woods won a competition to provide music for Thomas Bracken’s poem, God Defend New Zealand. The tune rapidly gained in popularity, first becoming the unofficial national song, before being formally enshrined as the country’s national anthem in 1977. Part of Woods’ brief in writing the tune was to make it suitable for young voices, allowing all New Zealanders to join in singing the anthem. She said no local descendants of Woods were known, but any interested in participating would also be welcomed.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 18, 2026 15:34 UTC