Mr John Joseph Woods
Born in Tasmania in 1849. Such were his musical accomplishments that he could play 12 instruments, primarily the violin. Also an acknowledged expert on daffodils, his unique collection of over 300 varieties included some rare specimens.
Woods was a man of his community and its institutions. In his own district he was an all-round sportsman of note, a member and office-bearer in clubs and societies, long serving choir master of the Roman Catholic Church — and became Tuapeka County’s longest serving Town Clerk from Jan 1877 to his retirement in Oct 1931 when he was made Confidential Adviser to Council. He was well respected for the efficiency, integrity and devotion to duty he brought to the post.
This final achievement alone probably makes him unique in New Zealand's history and when, on his retirement after 55 years, at the age of 83, his services were recognised by creating him a 'freeman of the county', this was the first time that anyone in the British Dominion had been given such an honour.
On Christmas Day, 1876, 'God Defend New Zealand' had its first performance in Dunedin's Queen's Theatre. Played by the Royal Artillery Band and sung by the full complement of the Lydia Howard Burlesque and Opera Burle Troupe, the patriotic hymn found immediate support and favour with the Dunedin public.
In 1878, Woods and Premier George Grey organised for ‘God Defend New Zealand’ to be translated into Māori.
In 1940, on the recommendation of the NZ Centennial Council, the Government declared God Defend New Zealand to be the National Hymn, and bought the copyright. In 1977, with the Queen's consent, God Defend New Zealand was given equal status with God Save the Queen as one of New Zealand's national anthems.
John Joseph Woods is buried in Lawrence where he spent most of his life.