Marriage and Divorce - General marriage rate for the total population 1961–2023

Eligible adults: mean estimated population aged 16 years and over who are not-married or in a civil union (transfers to and from marriage or civil union are excluded).

Marriage: 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: 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 Rate (General): Marriages and civil unions per 1,000 mean estimated population aged 16 years and over who are not-married or in a civil union (transfers to and from marriage or civil union are excluded).

Eligible adults: mean estimated population aged 16 years and over who are not married or in a civil union (transfers to and from marriage or civil union are excluded).

http://datainfoplus.stats.govt.nz/Item/nz.govt.stats/d6a624f0-82b4-4257-ae27-bbc6948657a5#

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).

At URL provided, select 'Population > Marriage and Divorce Rates - DMR > General marriage rate, December years (total population) (Annual-Dec)'. 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.