Nine same sex registry marriages set for Monday

18 August 2013

Nine same sex couples will have registry weddings on Monday, the first day same sex couples can get married.
Registrar-General Births, Deaths and Marriages Jeff Montgomery, says he expects the number of couples having registry weddings to increase next week as figures become available from across the country.

“Overall, from the main centres, Auckland, Manukau, Christchurch and from Rotorua, Births, Deaths and Marriages has received 31 notice of intended marriage forms. So tomorrow, we will issue 31 marriage licences. All couples intending to get married must have a marriage licence. A number of same-sex couples who are currently in a civil union have also decided to change their civil union to a marriage.”

We expect the number of marriage licences issued to same sex couples for registry weddings and weddings at other locations, to increase as figures from other marriage registries across the country become available.

In addition, we’ve had 977 marriage forms downloaded from our website this week, three times as many as normal, 125 are for civil union to marriage changes, 156 for couples applying from overseas in advance of arriving in New Zealand and 696 for couples resident or planning to be in New Zealand three days prior to their wedding.”

Logistical issues after Friday’s Wellington earthquake mean regional same sex marriage figures will be available next week.

Notes for journalists

• Marriages forms record the date of the marriage but not the time of day the marriage occurred
• The number of marriage licences does not necessarily relate to the number of marriages. Marriage licences are valid for three months and some couples may decide not to get married during that time.
• Information on how to get married is currently available on the Department of Internal Affairs website and this will be updated on 19 August.
• The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act enables couples to marry regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The new definition of marriage in the Marriage Act will define marriage as "the union of two people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity".
• All couples getting married in New Zealand must follow the correct process, including being married by an approved marriage celebrant or a Registrar of Marriages. The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages within the Department appoints marriage celebrants, registers marriages and produces marriage certificates.

For more information: Marriage Amendment Act - Questions and Answers.

ENDS

Media Contact:

Michael Mead
Communications Account Manager, Service Delivery and Operations
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Phone 64 4 382 3437; mobile 64 21 245 7451 email:michael.mead@dia.govt.nz