[1] New Zealand Prime Minister John Key (R) lines up with the All Blacks team as they sing their national anthem before their World Cup match against Japan in Hamilton. Photo: REUTERS/Nigel Marple Rugby fans are swotting up on the words of the national anthem.
The number of people looking up God Defend New Zealand on the Ministry for Culture and Heritage's website the day before the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony in Auckland increased fourfold compared to the months leading up to the September 9 event.
And interest before each All Black game has continued to be at least three times the normal demand as the tournament has progressed, says Ashley Mackenzie-White, the ministry's expert on the anthem.
"The majority of inquiries we get are from people wanting copies.''
The ministry is responsible for preserving New Zealand's culture and heritage. Among its duties is giving advice on use of the national anthem.
Its website also carries the musical score and several sound files that can be downloaded.
The history of God Defend New Zealand, written by Thomas Bracken, will be explored in a documentary to be screened on TV3 this weekend.
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