New Zealand Legislation: Acts

15 Solemnisation by civil union celebrant

• (1) A civil union celebrant may solemnise a civil union between 2 parties if—

  • (a) the civil union celebrant is in possession of a licence in respect of the 2 parties; and

  • (b) the solemnisation takes place at the place (or at one of the 2 places) named in the licence; and

  • (c) the solemnisation does not take place more than 3 months after the date of issue of the licence.

  (2) During the solemnisation, in the presence of the civil union celebrant and at least 2 witnesses, each party must make a clear statement to the other that—

  • (a) names both parties; and

  • (b) acknowledges that they are freely joining in a civil union with each other.

  (3) The celebrant must, under section 62B of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 1995, take all reasonable steps to ensure that the civil union is registered under that Act.

  Compare: 1955 No 92 s 31(1), (2), (3)

  Section 15(3): amended, on 24 January 2009, by section 47 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 48).