About Thomas Henry Smith
Lived 1824 – 1907 (aged 82). Thomas Henry Smith was a poet and lyricist.
Thomas Henry Smith (22 November 1824 – 23 September 1907) of Auckland was an English-born New Zealand Native Land Court Judge and poet. 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.
Early life Smith was born at Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Thomas Henry Smith?
Famous poet and judge from New Zealand (1824-1907)
When was Thomas Henry Smith born?
Thomas Henry Smith was born on 22 November 1824 in Gloucestershire.
When did Thomas Henry Smith die?
Thomas Henry Smith died on 23 September 1907 in Colony of New Zealand.
What was Thomas Henry Smith's occupation?
Thomas Henry Smith was a poet and lyricist.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: Thomas Henry Smith
· DBpedia: Thomas Henry Smith (poet)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Thomas Henry Smith. https://biography.guide/thomas-henry-smith-poet/
MLA: "Thomas Henry Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/thomas-henry-smith-poet/.
Chicago: "Thomas Henry Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/thomas-henry-smith-poet/.
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