Number of divorces in New Zealand
2008–2024
| Year | Number of divorces |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 9,720 |
| 2009 | 8,754 |
| 2010 | 8,901 |
| 2011 | 8,583 |
| 2012 | 8,826 |
| 2013 | 8,319 |
| 2014 | 8,232 |
| 2015 | 8,520 |
| 2016 | 8,169 |
| 2017 | 8,001 |
| 2018 | 7,455 |
| 2019 | 8,391 |
| 2020 | 7,707 |
| 2021 | 6,369 |
| 2022 | 7,593 |
| 2023 | 7,995 |
| 2024 | 7,497 |
Definitions
Divorce: The dissolution of a marriage or civil union. An application for marriage or civil union dissolution can be made by either partner on grounds that the marriage or civil union has broken down irreconcilably, provided a two-year separation requirement is satisfied. One or both partners must usually live in New Zealand. The Family Court grants Dissolution Orders. Family Courts are located throughout New Zealand but since 2014 almost all applications for divorce have been processed by the Wellington court.
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.
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.
For more information
Changes to data collection/processing
From 2011, divorce data are based on on the year the order of dissolution was granted. Before 2011 data are based on the date the order was received by Stats NZ. Data from 2011 may not be directly comparable with data before 2011.
Data provided by
Dataset name
Marriages, Civil Unions, and Divorces: Divorces by relationship type (marriages and civil unions) 2024
Webpage:
https://infoshare.stats.govt.nz/
How to find the data
At URL provided, select 'Population > Marriages, Civil Unions, and Divorces - VSM > Divorces by relationship type (marriages and civil unions) (Annual-Dec)'. All variables were selected to create this dataset.
Import & extraction details
File as imported: Marriages, Civil Unions, and Divorces: Divorces by relationship type (marriages and civil unions) 2024
From the dataset Marriages, Civil Unions, and Divorces: Divorces by relationship type (marriages and civil unions) 2024, this data was extracted:
- Rows: 3-20
- Columns: 2-4
- Provided: 54 data points
This data forms the table Marriage and Divorce - Divorces by relationship type 2007–2024.
Dataset originally released on:
August 28, 2025
About 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.
Method of collection/Data provider
Ministry of Justice provides a quarterly electronic file of orders for dissolution of marriage and civil unions granted in New Zealand. The data is compiled from information collected by the family courts.