What is a Civil
Union in New Zealand? A Civil Union is a legal relationship recognised in law in New Zealand. The Civil
Union Act 2004 provides for two people to have their relationship solemnised as a Civil
Union (by way of a formal ceremony) and officially registered in New Zealand. A Civil
Union may be entered into by couples of the same sex or by couples of different sexes.
In summary:
- A civil union may be entered
into by couples of the same sex or by couples of different sexes
- A civil union ceremony may be
held before either a Registrar of Civil Unions in a Registry Office or by an authorised
Civil Union Celebrant
- Consent to enter into a civil
union must be obtained if you are 16 to 17 years of age
- Couples may change the form of
their relationship between civil unions and marriages:
- Couples who are married to each
other, and who wish to continue in a relationship with each other, may change the form of
that relationship to a civil union without having to formally dissolve the first
relationship (which normally involves living apart for 2 years)
- Two people who are in a civil
union with each other, and who are otherwise eligible to marry, may change the form of
that relationship to a marriage without having to formally dissolve the first relationship
(which normally involves living apart for 2 years)
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