Thomas Henry Smith | |
---|---|
Born | 22 November 1824 Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, United Kingdom |
Died | 23 September 1907 (aged 83) Colony of New Zealand |
Occupation | Judge, poet |
Nationality | New Zealander |
Citizenship | British (1824-1842), New Zealander(1842-1907) |
Notable works | God Defend New Zealand |
Spouse | Elizabeth Koka Fuloon; Dorcas Sophia Baker |
Thomas Henry Smith (22 November 1824 – 23 September 1907) of Auckland was an English-born New Zealand Native Land Court Judge and poet. [1] He is best known for the Māori language translation of " God Defend New Zealand", one of the two national anthems of New Zealand, which he wrote at the request of Governor George Edward Grey. [2]
Smith was born at Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. [3] After his formal education he worked at a Land Surveying and Architecture office in Romford, Essex. In 1842, he went to New Zealand after being offered a cadetship by the New Zealand Company's surveying staff. [1]