The Department of Internal Affairs

Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

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Marriage celebrant numbers increase to deal with Marriage Act demand


26 June 2013

The Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages has increased the number of marriage celebrants to meet anticipated demand from the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act changes.

More than 120 civil union celebrants have been offered the opportunity to also become independent marriage celebrants in time for the changes which will take effect on 19 August, says Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Jeff Montgomery.

“We anticipate a strong level of demand from the same sex couples in New Zealand and also from overseas, to get married, so it makes sense to increase the number of marriage celebrants. Same sex couples in a civil union may also decide to change their civil union to a marriage.”

Mr Montgomery says that the numbers of civil union licences issued by the Department of Internal Affairs has fallen steadily this year in advance of the 19 August changes.

“In May we issued the lowest number of civil union licences for any month over the last five years. The fall may be due to same sex couples holding off having a civil union in favour of a marriage.”

Mr Montgomery says that all couples intending to marry from 19 August need to be aware of the marriage process.

“We are preparing for changes to take effect from 19 August. New forms will be available a week before the change for all couples who want to get married, including same sex couples. All couples must use the new form.

“A couple will apply for a marriage licence using the new form. Three days after notice is given to a Registrar of Marriages, a marriage licence will be ready for collection and a marriage can take place.

“The Department has a lot of work to do before the Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act comes into force. We are confident everything will be ready for the day the new law takes effect.

We have to:

amend the various forms and certificates used to collect, register and provide information under the Marriage Act 1955 and the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995;
alter the Department's computer systems to allow for the recording of same-sex marriages, including capturing the sex of the parties to the marriage;
provide information to the public and celebrants about the changes, for example on websites, brochures and other guidance material published by the Department; and
train staff who conduct registry office marriages and provide information to the public.”

The Marriage (Definition of Marriage) Amendment Act enables couples to marry regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The new statutory definition of marriage in the Marriage Act defines 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 Department appoints marriage celebrants, registers marriages and produces marriage certificates.

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