Marriages and civil unions in New Zealand

Marriage (registered): Before 19 August 2013 a marriage involved the act, ceremony, or process by which the legal relationship of husband and wife was constituted. From 19 August 2013 a marriage involves the act, ceremony, or process by which the legal relationship of two people, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity, is constituted. In New Zealand, marriage may be solemnised either by a celebrant or before a registrar of marriages. A licence must be obtained from a registrar before a marriage by a celebrant can be solemnised, and notice must be given by one of the parties to a registrar.

Civil Union (registered): The act, ceremony or process by which the legal relationship of two people is constituted. A civil union may be entered into by couples of the same sex or by couples of different sexes. In New Zealand, a civil union may be solemnised either by a civil union celebrant or before a registrar of civil unions. A licence must be obtained from a registrar before a civil union can be solemnised, and notice must be given by one of the parties to a registrar. The first civil unions were celebrated on 29 April 2005.

Data relates to marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand where partner two is resident in New Zealand by month of marriage or civil union (not month of registration).

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Marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand where partner two is an overseas resident.

At URL provided, select 'Population > Marriages, Civil Unions, and Divorces - VSM > Marriages and civil unions by month and year of marriage (Monthly)'. All variables were selected to create this dataset.

Marriage and civil union statistics record the number of marriages and civil unions registered in New Zealand each year, and divorce statistics record the number of divorces granted in New Zealand each year.

Stats NZ receive a monthly electronic file of registered marriages and civil unions from Births, Deaths, and Marriages. Stats NZ are responsible for processing and publishing statistics derived from the marriage and civil union registrations.