Maisey Rika moved the crowd at Hagley Park with an emotional performance of the national anthem at the National Remembrance Service for the victims of the Christchurch terror attacks.
The Māori singer-songwriter performed a moving rendition of the full 'God Defend New Zealand' anthem, including a verse seldom heard in modern times.
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Often performed at sports matches and national events with only the first verse performed in Māori and then in English, the less familiar words below sang out across the crowd.
"Men of every creed and race, gather here before thy face, asking thee to bless this place, God defend our free land," Rika sang.
"From dissension, envy, hate, and corruption guard our state, make our country good and great, God defend New Zealand."
Prior to Rika's performance, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had recited part of the anthem as part of her speech.
"Ours is a home that does not and cannot claim perfection. But we can strive to be true to the words embedded in our national anthem," said Ardern.
Rika is from the Bay of Plenty and has performed at several countries around the world, including the US, Japan and the UK.
She was one of many performers at the Christchurch ceremony, with the likes of Cat Stevens/Yusuf Islam, Hollie Smith, Teeks and Marlon Williams also providing live music.
Newshub.
