Rates from 1991 onward are based on the resident population concept. Before 1991, rates are based on the de facto population concept. Vitals data (births, deaths and marriages) is based on date of registration (not date of occurrence).
In 2016, with the introduction of same-sex marriage in 2013, the number of civil unions has decreased significantly and interest has shifted from civil unions and marriages to same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
At URL provided, select 'Population > Marriage and Divorce Rates - DMR > Crude marriage rate, December years (total population) (Annual-Dec)'. All variables were selected to create this dataset.
From the dataset Marriages, Civil Unions, and Divorces: Crude marriage rate for the total population 2025, this data was extracted:
Rows: 3-82
Column: 2
Provided: 80 data points
Dataset originally released on:
May 04, 2026
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
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.