John Joseph Woods
John Joseph Woods | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1849 |
| Died | (aged 85) Lawrence, New Zealand |
| Known for | Composer of "God Defend New Zealand" |
| Spouse | Harriet Plunket |
| Children | 4 |
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. Woods was also the Tuapeka County Council clerk for 55 years.