National Anthem On The Net

Internet users struck by a bout of patriotism can turn to the Department of Internal Affairs website (www.dia.govt.nz) for instant relief.

Four different performances featured on the new

‘singer friendly’ National Anthem CD which was produced by the Department of Internal Affairs, is now on the website. It can be downloaded in either mp3 or realplayer formats. The words in Maori and English are also on the website along with a musical score.

The CD features four different performances all of which have been successfully used at major sporting events. The performers, String of Pearls, Ainslie Allen, Frankie Stevens and backing track arranger David Dell, gave their services free. The backing track is designed to be used by smaller sporting bodies, schools or community organisations with their own singers.

The CD was produced in response to the call by the National Sports Organisations for more guidance on the anthem's delivery, especially in terms of pitch and tempo. Thanks to funding from the Hillary Commission, free copies have been sent to libraries, all sporting organisations and stadia as a resource for community groups.

Launching the CD recently Internal Affairs Minister Mark Burton said an anthem should not only inspire national pride and passion, but motivate people to join in its singing.

?Our anthem has this power provided it is sang in a suitable key and the timing is right.?

Contact: Pamela Fleming , Media Adviser, Dept. of Internal Affairs DD 04 495 9436, Fax 04 495 7237, email: pamela.fleming@dia.govt.nz , Website www.dia.govt.nz

National Anthem

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