Gay marriage nz

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The Labour Party, which championed the bill for same-sex marriage, gained substantial support from both the public and other political parties. In 1998, an amendment bill was introduced making this exemption permanent; this was abandoned following a change of government in 1999.

gay marriage nz

It adds deep cultural meaning to your day.

Q: Can we get married on a hiking trail or mountaintop?
A: Yes—just get a permit if it’s on DOC land. Think rooftop vows and fine dining receptions.

🌋 Tongariro National Park

Volcanoes and drama? In 1998, an amendment bill was introduced making this exemption permanent; this was abandoned following a change of government in 1999.

Love is love here—and it’s legally recognized, celebrated, and photogenically stunning.

So, let’s break down what you really need to tie the knot in Aotearoa. Notice of Intended Marriage (Form BDM 60)

This is the magic form that starts it all. This guides GPs on how to initiate GAHT and has been adopted by many GPs. It should be noted that some GPs may not follow these guidelines completely.

New Zealand was the fifteenth country in the world, and the first in Oceania, to enact marriage equality.

Censorship of LGBT issues in New Zealand

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Censorship of LGBT issues in New Zealand is no censorship.

Right to change legal gender in New Zealand

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Right to change legal gender in New Zealand is legal, no restrictions.

Current status
The law was changed under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 which came into effect on 15 June 2023.

Adoption laws have evolved to ensure that all parents, regardless of sexual orientation, can provide loving homes for children in need. But you do need a few real-life documents—and a whole lotta love.

Whether you’re envisioning an elopement on the cliffs of Wanaka, a vibrant vineyard celebration in Queenstown, or an urban “I do” in the heart of Auckland, New Zealand greets all couples with open arms.

They don’t need to know you personally.

  • Weather backup: NZ weather can be… spontaneous.

  • Apostille: Check if your home country requires it for official recognition.

  • Extra time for postal delays (if applying from abroad)

    • 📣 FAQ – Because Google Loves FAQs (and so do planners)

    Q: Can we get married the day we arrive in New Zealand?
    A: Only if you submitted your Notice of Intended Marriage at least 3 working days earlier and everything is approved.

    Q: Can we include Māori traditions in our ceremony?
    A: Absolutely.

    These provisions were removed in 1961 but homosexuality was still criminalised with imprisonment.

    This only applies to male homosexuals. It needs to be completed at least 3 working days before your wedding.

    • If you’re in NZ: Submit it at your local registry office.

    • If you’re overseas: Send it by post to the Department of Internal Affairs.

    👉 Download the form and full instructions here

    ✅ 2.

    Recent surveys in New Zealand have revealed a mixed response towards LGBTQ+ rights and issues.

    Survey results from 15 LGBTQ+ Equaldex users who lived in or visited New Zealand.

    Perceived Safety*
    Absence of verbal harassment
    Absence of threats and violence
    *Survey results represent personal perceptions of safety and may not be indicative of current actual conditions.

    Equal Treatment
    Treatment by general public
    Treatment by law enforcement
    Treatment by religious groups

    Visibility & Representation
    Representation in entertainment

    Culture
    Interest groups and clubs

    Services
    Support and social services

    History

    Homosexual activity in New Zealand

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    Homosexual activity in New Zealand is legal.

    Male illegal, female legal
    The 1893 Criminal Code of New Zealand removed the death penalty as a punishment for homosexuality but replaced it with flogging, hard labour and life imprisonment.

    Perfect for wild-at-heart elopements.

    🙌 Eloping in NZ? Even Easier.

    Here’s what you need:

    • Your Notice of Intended Marriage

    • Two witnesses

    • A celebrant (registry or independent)

    Whether it’s barefoot on a black sand beach or in a heli on a mountaintop, NZ elopements are as flexible as they are breathtaking.

    🎤 Choosing Your Celebrant

    NZ celebrants are a creative bunch.

    In 2023, the Human Rights Amendment Bill (2023) was introduced in parliament to include “gender identity”.

    Same-sex adoption in New Zealand

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    Same-sex adoption in New Zealand is legal.

    Current status
    Since the passage of the Marriage Amendment Act in 2013, same-sex couples have been allowed to adopt.

    In 2015, the law prohibiting unmarried couples and civil unions from adopting was ruled unconstitutional.
    Until 2013, only LGBTIQ+ singles could adopt in New Zealand.

    From inclusive celebrants to LGBTQ-owned venues, the wedding industry here is warm, respectful, and excited to be part of your love story.

    Still, we recommend mentioning that you’re an LGBTQ+ couple during vendor conversations, just to ensure you’re supported every step of the way.

    🛬 Can International LGBTQ+ Couples Get Married in NZ?

    Yes, yes, and yes.

    Efforts to reform marriage laws began in earnest in the early 2000s, with various bills introduced to Parliament that ultimately did not pass. This includes rights related to taxation, inheritance, and adoption. In 2023, the Human Rights Amendment Bill (2023) was introduced in parliament to include “gender identity”.

    LGBT housing discrimination in New Zealand

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    LGBT housing discrimination in New Zealand is sexual orientation only.

    Current status
    The Human Rights Act 1993 (Māori: Te Ture Tika Tangata 1993) outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

    Lesbianism was never criminalised in New Zealand.

    Jan 26, 1788–Oct 5, 1893
    Illegal (death penalty as punishment)
    Until 1841, New Zealand was administered as part of the Colony of New South Wales which applied the death penalty for homosexuality. In 2023, the Human Rights Amendment Bill (2023) was introduced in parliament to include “gender identity”.

    LGBT employment discrimination in New Zealand

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    LGBT employment discrimination in New Zealand is sexual orientation only.

    Current status
    The Human Rights Act 1993 (Māori: Te Ture Tika Tangata 1993) outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.

    If Previously Married or in a Civil Union

    You’ll also need:

    • Evidence of the dissolution of your previous marriage/union (e.g., divorce certificate)

    📝 Hot Tip: Plan ahead! Yes please. However, the tide began to turn as public support grew, a sentiment that was reflected in opinion polls showing increasing approval for marriage equality.

    Cultural Shifts and Social Acceptance

    New Zealand culture has played a crucial role in the acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights.