Civil Union Act 2004
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Version as at 15 June 2023
Civil Union Act 2004
Public Act |
2004 No 102 |
|
Date of assent |
13 December 2004 |
|
Commencement |
see section 2 |
Note
The Parliamentary Counsel Office has made editorial and format changes to this version using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019.
Note 4 at the end of this version provides a list of the amendments included in it.
This Act is administered by the Ministry of Justice.
Contents
1 Title
This Act is the Civil Union Act 2004.
2 Commencement
(1)
This Act, other than the sections referred to in subsection (2), comes into force on 26 April 2005.
(2)
Sections 35, 36, and 37 come into force on the day after the date on which this Act receives the Royal assent.
Part 1 Preliminary provisions
3 Interpretation
In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—
civil union celebrant means a person who is appointed under section 26 as a civil union celebrant
exempt body means a body that is exempt from the requirements of this Act relating to the solemnisation of civil unions by virtue of an exemption granted under Schedule 1
guardian has the meaning given in section 15 of the Care of Children Act 2004
licence means a civil union licence issued under section 12
Minister means the Minister of the Crown who, under the authority of any warrant or with the authority of the Prime Minister, is for the time being responsible for the administration of this Act
New Zealand includes the Ross Dependency
prohibited degrees of civil union means the degrees of relationship set out in Schedule 2
Registrar and Registrar-General have the meanings given in section 4 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 2
Section 3 guardian: amended, on 1 July 2005, by section 151 of the Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90).
Section 3 Registrar and Registrar-General: amended, on 15 June 2023, by section 147 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57).
4 Overview of civil union
(1)
Two people, whether they are of different or the same sex, may enter into a civil union under this Act if—
(a)
they are both aged 16 or over (but people aged 16 or 17 must obtain consent—see section 19):
(b)
they are not within the prohibited degrees of civil union as set out in Schedule 2 (but in some cases a court may dispense with this prohibition—see section 10):
(c)
they are not currently married or in a civil union with someone else (but married couples may enter into a civil union with each other—see section 18).
(2)
A civil union may be solemnised by a Registrar or, if a Registrar has issued a licence, by a civil union celebrant or an exempt body.
(3)
After a civil union is solemnised, it is registered as a civil union under subpart 5 of Part 2 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021.
(4)
The dissolution of a civil union is governed by the Family Proceedings Act 1980.
(5)
This section is by way of explanation only. If a provision of this or any other Act is inconsistent with this section, the other provision prevails.
Section 4(3): amended, on 15 June 2023, by section 147 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57).
5 Reference to civil union in any other enactment
In any other enactment, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a civil union refers to—
(a)
a civil union entered into under and in accordance with this Act; and
(b)
a relationship that is entered into overseas and—
(i)
is of a type identified by regulations made under section 35(1)(a) as being a type of relationship that is recognised in New Zealand as a civil union; and
(ii)
is between 2 people who are at least 18 years old or, if either party is younger than 18, was entered into with the consent of that party’s guardians.
5A Transitional, savings, and related provisions
The transitional, savings, and related provisions set out in Schedule 1AA have effect according to their terms.
Section 5A: inserted, on 14 August 2018, by section 13 of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
6 Act binds the Crown
This Act binds the Crown.
Part 2 Civil unions
Subpart 1—Entering into civil union
Capacity
7 Age of eligibility
A person who has not reached the age of 16 is prohibited from entering into a civil union.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 17
8 Partners not to be already married or in civil union
A person who is in a civil union is prohibited from entering into a civil union with another person; and a person who is married is prohibited from entering into a civil union with either their spouse (except by changing the form of their relationship in accordance with section 18) or any other person.
9 Partners not to be within prohibited degrees of civil union
Two people who are within the prohibited degrees of civil union, as set out in Schedule 2, are prohibited from entering into a civil union with each other, except as provided in section 10.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 15(1)
10 Order dispensing with prohibition on civil union within prohibited degrees of affinity
(1)
Two people who are within the prohibited degrees of affinity, but who are not within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity, may apply to the Family Court for an order under this section.
(2)
On an application under subsection (1), the court may make an order dispensing with the prohibition in section 9.
(3)
The Registrar of any court where an order under this section is made must send a copy of the order to the Registrar-General.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 15(2), (3)
Formalities
11 Notice of civil union
(1)
If 2 people intend to enter into a civil union, one of them must give notice to the Registrar of the intended civil union in a manner specified by the Registrar-General.
(2)
The person giving notice must verify that—
(a)
the particulars in the notice are true; and
(b)
the person believes that the parties are not within the prohibited degrees of civil union or, if they are, an order has been made under section 10 dispensing with the prohibition; and
(c)
there is no other lawful impediment to the intended civil union.
(2A)
The information in subsection (2) may be verified—
(a)
electronically in a manner specified by the Registrar-General (see also section 128 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021); or
(b)
by the person giving notice appearing personally before the Registrar and making a statutory declaration.
(3)
However, if the 2 parties to an intended civil union are ordinarily resident outside New Zealand, the requirements of subsections (1) and (2A)(b) are satisfied if—
(a)
one of the parties gives notice to the Registrar of the intended civil union in a manner specified by the Registrar-General; and
(b)
one of the parties, at any time before the licence is issued or (if the Registrar is to solemnise the civil union) the civil union is solemnised, makes a statutory declaration as to the matters in subsection (2)(a) to (c).
(4)
A person giving notice under this section must pay the prescribed notice fee.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 23(1), (2)
Section 11 heading: amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 14(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 11(1): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 14(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 11(2): replaced, on 16 December 2017, by section 14(3) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 11(2A): inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 14(3) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 11(2A)(a): amended, on 15 June 2023, by section 147 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57).
Section 11(3): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 14(4) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 11(3)(a): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 14(5) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
12 Issue of licence and forms where solemnisation by civil union celebrant or exempt body
(1)
After notice has been given under section 11, if the civil union is to be solemnised by a civil union celebrant or an exempt body, the Registrar must issue a licence and information return forms in accordance with this section, and section 15 or section 16 applies. (If the civil union is to be solemnised by a Registrar, section 14 applies.)
(2)
Despite subsection (1), a Registrar must not issue a licence and information return forms if—
(a)
he or she has reasonable cause to believe that the civil union is prohibited by this Act, or that any of the requirements of this Act have not been complied with; or
(b)
a notice of objection to the civil union of either party has been lodged under section 21 and the notice has not been withdrawn or discharged; or
(c)
the prescribed notice fee has not been paid.
(3)
The Registrar may not issue the licence and information return forms sooner than the third day after the notice was given, unless the Registrar is satisfied that parties to the intended civil union would be inconvenienced by the delay.
(4)
The licence must be in the prescribed form, and must authorise the civil union of the 2 people specified in the licence at the place, or at one of the 2 places, in New Zealand, specified in the licence.
(5)
A Registrar other than the Registrar to whom the notice was given may issue the licence and information return forms, in which case the Registrar to whom the notice was given does not need to do so.
13 Licence authorises but does not oblige
A licence authorises, but does not oblige, a civil union celebrant or an exempt body to solemnise the civil union to which the licence relates.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 29
14 Solemnisation by Registrar
(1)
A Registrar may solemnise a civil union if—
(a)
the Registrar is satisfied that the civil union is not prohibited by this Act; and
(b)
the Registrar is satisfied that the requirements of this Act have been complied with; and
(c)
the Registrar is satisfied that—
(i)
no notice of objection to the civil union has been lodged under section 21; or
(ii)
if a notice of objection has been lodged, it has been withdrawn or discharged; and
(d)
the solemnisation does not take place—
(i)
before the third day after notice of the intended civil union has been given under section 11, unless the Registrar is satisfied that the parties to the intended civil union would be inconvenienced by the delay; or
(ii)
more than 3 months after the date on which notice of the intended civil union was given (or, where a notice of objection has been lodged, more than 3 months after the date on which the notice of objection was withdrawn or discharged).
(2)
During the solemnisation, in the presence of the Registrar 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)
No Registrar is obliged to solemnise a civil union on a day that is not a working day.
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 53 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021, 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 15 June 2023, by section 147 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57).
16 Solemnisation by exempt body
(1)
A civil union may be solemnised by an exempt body if it is solemnised in accordance with the rules and procedures of the body as most recently notified to the Registrar-General in accordance with Schedule 1.
(2)
When a civil union is solemnised by an exempt body, the obligations imposed on civil union celebrants by section 53 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 must be performed by the person or office holder, or in the manner, as set out in the rules and procedures of the exempt body that have been most recently notified to the Registrar-General in accordance with Schedule 1.
Compare: 1955 No 92 ss 31(4), (5), 32, 32A
Section 16(2): amended, on 15 June 2023, by section 147 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57).
Changing form of relationship
17 Purpose of section 18
The purpose of section 18 is to allow couples who are married or in a civil union with each other, and who wish to continue in a relationship with each other, to change the form of that relationship by having the new form of relationship solemnised without having to formally dissolve the first relationship (which normally involves living apart for 2 years).
18 Changing form of relationship
(1)
A married couple may enter into a civil union with each other; and 2 people in a civil union with each other, and who are otherwise eligible to marry, may marry each other.
(2)
Before changing the form of their relationship under this section, the party who gives the notice required by section 11 of this Act or section 23 of the Marriage Act 1955 must state on the form that the parties are already in a civil union with each other or are married to each other (as the case requires) and that they wish to change the form of their relationship.
(3)
The solemnisation of the marriage of 2 people who are in a civil union with each other changes the relationship from a civil union into a marriage; but in any situation in which the duration of the resulting marriage is in issue, the duration of the earlier civil union is to be treated as part of the duration of the marriage.
(4)
The solemnisation of a civil union between 2 people who are married to each other changes the relationship from a marriage into a civil union; but in any situation in which the duration of the resulting civil union is in issue, the duration of the earlier marriage is to be treated as part of the duration of the civil union.
Consent for persons aged 16 or 17
19 Consent to civil union of persons aged 16 or 17
(1)
This section applies if, on the date on which notice of the intended union is given under section 11,—
(a)
either party to the intended civil union is aged 16 or 17 years; or
(b)
both parties to the intended civil union are aged 16 or 17 years.
(2)
If this section applies, a Registrar must not issue a licence authorising the intended civil union, or solemnise the civil union, unless a Family Court Judge has, under this section, consented to the intended civil union.
(3)
A party to an intended civil union who is aged 16 or 17 years must apply to the Family Court for a Family Court Judge’s consent to the intended civil union, and a joint application may be made if both parties to the intended civil union are aged 16 or 17 years.
(4)
A Family Court Judge may, on receipt of an application made under subsection (3), consent to the intended civil union only if the Judge is satisfied that, for each party to the intended civil union aged 16 or 17 years,—
(a)
the party has made the application voluntarily, free of undue influence or coercion; and
(b)
the party understands the consequences of the application and wants the Judge to consent to the intended civil union; and
(c)
the intended civil union is in the party’s interests.
(5)
In determining whether the intended civil union is in a party’s interests, the matters the Judge must take into account include, without limitation,—
(a)
the age and maturity of the party; and
(b)
the party’s views; and
(c)
any views of the party’s parents and guardians that can reasonably be ascertained; and
(d)
any other information available to the court relevant to the party’s application.
Section 19: replaced, on 14 August 2018, by section 14 of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
20 Court may appoint lawyers in proceedings under section 19
(1)
In any proceedings under section 19, the Family Court Judge may appoint a lawyer to represent the applicant if the Judge is satisfied that the appointment is necessary or desirable.
(2)
In any proceedings under section 19, the Family Court Judge may (whether or not an appointment is made under subsection (1))—
(a)
appoint a lawyer to assist the court; or
(b)
direct a Registrar of the court to appoint a lawyer to assist the court.
(3)
The fees and expenses of a lawyer appointed under subsection (1) or (2) must—
(a)
be determined in accordance with regulations made under section 16D of the Family Court Act 1980 or, if no such regulations are made, by a Registrar of the Family Court; and
(b)
be paid in accordance with that determination out of public money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
(4)
An invoice for fees and expenses rendered by a lawyer appointed under this section must be given to the Registrar of the court in which the proceedings were heard, and the Registrar may decide to adjust the amount of the invoice.
(5)
If the lawyer is dissatisfied with the decision of the Registrar as to the amount of the invoice, the lawyer may, within 14 days after the date of the decision, apply to a Judge of the court to review the decision, and the Judge may make any order varying or confirming the decision that the Judge considers fair and reasonable.
Section 20: replaced, on 14 August 2018, by section 14 of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
20A Judge may obtain cultural report
(1)
In any proceedings under section 19, the Family Court Judge may obtain a written cultural report by—
(a)
requesting a person whom the Judge considers qualified for the purpose to prepare one; or
(b)
directing the Registrar to request a person whom the Registrar considers qualified for the purpose to prepare one.
(2)
The court may act under subsection (1) only if satisfied that—
(a)
the information that the report will provide is essential for determining the application; and
(b)
the report is the best source of the information, having regard to the quality, timeliness, and cost of other sources; and
(c)
the proceedings will not be unduly delayed by the time taken to prepare the report; and
(d)
any delay in the proceedings will not have an unacceptable effect on the applicant.
(3)
If the court is entitled by subsection (2) to act under subsection (1) and if the court knows the applicant’s wishes about the obtaining of a report or can speedily ascertain them, the court must have regard to the applicant’s wishes before deciding whether or not to act under subsection (1).
(4)
Fees for the preparation of reports obtained under this section, and reasonable expenses incurred, must—
(a)
be determined in accordance with regulations made under section 16D of the Family Court Act 1980 or, if no such regulations are made, by a Registrar of the court; and
(b)
be paid in accordance with that determination out of public money appropriated by Parliament for the purpose.
(5)
In this section, cultural report means a report that is about the applicant and that covers an aspect or aspects of the applicant’s cultural background, including the applicant’s religious denomination and practice.
Section 20A: inserted, on 14 August 2018, by section 14 of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
Notice of objection to civil union
21 Notice of objection to proposed civil union
(1)
A person may lodge with any Registrar a notice of objection to the civil union of any person named in the notice on the grounds that the civil union is one for which a licence should not be issued.
(2)
Every notice of objection must be in writing signed by or on behalf of the person who lodged the notice of objection, and must state the person’s full name, residential address, and the particulars of the grounds of objection on which the notice of objection is founded.
(3)
A copy of a notice of objection may be given to any Registrar other than the Registrar with whom it was lodged, in which case the copy must also show the date and place of lodgement of the notice of objection.
(4)
A notice of objection lapses 1 year from the date on which it was lodged unless, within that time, a notice has been given under section 11 of the intended civil union of the person to whom the notice of objection relates.
(5)
A notice of objection lodged under this section is for all purposes to be treated as also being a caveat lodged under section 25 of the Marriage Act 1955; and a caveat lodged under section 25 of the Marriage Act 1955 is for all purposes to be treated as also being a notice of objection lodged under this section.
22 Judge to deal with notice of objection
(1)
If a Registrar receives notice under section 11 of an intended civil union and the Registrar is aware that a notice of objection has been lodged with respect to either party to the intended civil union, the Registrar must immediately submit the notice of objection to a Family Court Judge or, if a Family Court Judge is not available, to a District Court Judge.
(2)
The Judge to whom the notice of objection is submitted must immediately inquire into the grounds of objection stated in the notice of objection, and, if the Judge is of the opinion that those grounds should not prevent the solemnisation of the civil union, he or she must discharge the notice of objection.
(3)
If a Judge refuses to discharge a notice of objection under this section, any person may make an application to a Family Court Judge for the discharge of the notice of objection, and the Family Court Judge, if he or she is of the opinion that there is no longer any reason why the intended civil union should not be solemnised, must discharge the notice of objection.
(4)
A person who lodges a notice of objection is liable for damages if the court considers that the grounds on which the notice of objection was lodged were vexatious and unreasonable.
When civil union is or may be declared void
23 When civil union is or may be declared void
(1)
The grounds on which a civil union is void ab initio are set out in section 31 of the Family Proceedings Act 1980.
(2)
[Repealed](3)
[Repealed]Compare: 1955 No 92 ss 15(4), 17(2), 18(7)
Section 23(2): repealed, on 14 August 2018, by section 15 of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
Section 23(3): repealed, on 14 August 2018, by section 15 of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
24 Effect of defects in formalities or procedures
(1)
A defect in compliance with the formalities or procedures required under this Act does not, in itself, render a civil union void.
(2)
However, nothing in this section exempts a Registrar or civil union celebrant who, or an exempt body that, does anything contrary to the provisions of this Act from any penalty for an offence under this Act.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 22
Certificate of no impediment
25 Registrar-General may issue certificate of no impediment
(1)
A person who wishes to enter into a civil union outside New Zealand in accordance with the law of another country or jurisdiction may apply to the Registrar-General, in a form that complies with any relevant regulations, for a certificate of no impediment.
(2)
Every application must be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
(3)
On receipt of an application, the Registrar-General must make whatever searches and inquiries he or she considers appropriate.
(4)
The Registrar-General may issue a certificate of no impediment to the applicant if he or she is satisfied that no lawful impediment to the civil union has been shown to exist.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 41
Section 25 heading: amended, on 20 September 2007, by section 4 of the Civil Union Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 47).
Subpart 2—Civil union celebrants
26 Appointment of civil union celebrants
(1)
Any person may apply to the Registrar-General to be appointed as a civil union celebrant.
(2)
The Registrar-General may appoint a person as a civil union celebrant if the person has paid any prescribed application fee and the Registrar-General is satisfied that—
(a)
the person is of good character; and
(b)
the person will conscientiously perform the duties of a civil union celebrant under this Act and under the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021; and
(c)
it is in the interests of the public generally, or of a particular community (whether defined by geography, interest, belief, or some other factor) that the person be appointed as a civil union celebrant.
(3)
The Registrar-General must give notice in the Gazette of the name of every person who is appointed or reappointed as a civil union celebrant.
(4)
A person named in a notice given under subsection (3) is entitled to act as a civil union celebrant on and from the date specified in the notice, and ceases to be entitled to act as a civil union celebrant when his or her appointment ceases under section 28(1).
Section 26(2)(b): amended, on 15 June 2023, by section 147 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57).
Section 26(2)(b): amended, on 24 January 2009, by section 47 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 48).
27 Expiry of appointment and reappointment
(1)
A person who wishes to continue to act as a civil union celebrant after 31 January in the year after the year of his or her appointment or reappointment must apply to the Registrar-General for reappointment during November of the year in which the person was appointed or reappointed.
(2)
The Registrar-General may reappoint a civil union celebrant only if the civil union celebrant has paid any prescribed reapplication fee and the Registrar-General is satisfied as to the matters set out in section 26(2).
(3)
A reappointment takes effect on 1 February in the year following the application for reappointment.
(4)
A person who is appointed as a civil union celebrant in November or December of any year is deemed to be reappointed on the following 1 February and need not apply for reappointment until November of that following year.
(5)
If a person does not apply for reappointment as required by subsection (1), or if his or her application is refused, then his or her appointment is cancelled on 31 January following his or her appointment or reappointment (except where subsection (4) applies).
28 Ceasing to be civil union celebrant
(1)
A person ceases to be a civil union celebrant,—
(a)
in the case of a person who fails to be reappointed under section 27, on the date specified in subsection (5) of that section; or
(b)
in the case of a person who resigns in writing, on the date on which the Registrar-General receives the resignation; or
(c)
in the case of a person whose appointment is cancelled by the Registrar-General under this section, on the date referred to in subsection (5).
(2)
The Registrar-General may cancel a person’s appointment as a civil union celebrant if the Registrar-General is not satisfied, with respect to the person, of the matters set out in section 26(2).
(3)
The Registrar-General may not cancel a person’s appointment as a civil union celebrant without first—
(a)
giving the person notice that the Registrar-General is considering cancelling the appointment; and
(b)
giving the person a reasonable opportunity to make submissions on the proposal; and
(c)
considering any submissions made by the person within that time.
(4)
The Registrar-General must give notice in writing to the person concerned of a decision to cancel the person’s appointment as a civil union celebrant, and also of any decision not to proceed with a proposed cancellation.
(5)
If a person’s appointment as a civil union celebrant is cancelled, the notice from the Registrar-General must specify the date on which the cancellation takes effect, which must be a date not sooner than 5 days after the date on which the notice is sent.
29 List of civil union celebrants
(1)
The Registrar-General must, at least once every year, publish a list in the Gazette of the names of all current civil union celebrants, and this list may be combined with any notice given under section 26(3).
(2)
The Registrar-General may at any time publish in the Gazette a list of the names of civil union celebrants who have ceased to be civil union celebrants since the latest list under this section was published.
Subpart 3—Offences and miscellaneous provisions
Offences
30 Offence to issue licence or solemnise civil union contrary to Act
(1)
A Registrar who knowingly and wilfully issues a licence contrary to this Act commits an offence.
(2)
A Registrar or civil union celebrant who knowingly and wilfully solemnises a civil union contrary to section 14 or section 15 commits an offence.
(3)
A person is liable, on conviction for an offence against subsection (1) or subsection (2), to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or to a fine not exceeding $10,000, or to both.
(4)
An exempt body that knowingly and wilfully solemnises a civil union otherwise than in accordance with its rules and procedures as most recently notified to the Registrar-General commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 58
Section 30(3): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 30(4): amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
31 Offence to purport to solemnise civil union
Every person commits an offence, and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, if he or she purports to solemnise a civil union as a civil union celebrant knowing that he or she is not a civil union celebrant.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 59
Section 31: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
32 Offences in connection with false statements relating to civil union
Every person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, or to a fine not exceeding $5,000, or to both, who knowingly and wilfully—
(a)
makes or causes to be made any false declaration or verification for the purposes of this Act; or
(b)
makes or causes to be made, for the purpose of being inserted in any register, a false statement of any particular required to be known and registered; or
(c)
gives a Registrar a document that purports to be a copy of a notice of objection when it is not in fact a copy of a notice of objection.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 60
Section 32: amended, on 1 July 2013, by section 413 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81).
Section 32(a): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 15 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
33 Limitation on prosecutions
A prosecution under this Act may not be commenced more than 3 years from the date on which the offence was committed.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 63
Miscellaneous
34 Registrar-General
(1)
The Registrar-General is charged with the general administration of this Act.
(2)
The Registrar-General may specify—
(a)
the manner in which a notice may be given for the purposes of section 11 or an application may be made for the purposes of Schedule 1, including specifying—
(i)
when and how a notice may be given or an application may be made; and
(ii)
forms (including electronic forms) requiring information or setting out information that must be provided in the notice or application; and
(iii)
requirements in connection with the use of specified forms; and
(b)
the manner in which information may be verified electronically for the purposes of section 11 and Schedule 1, including specifying—
(i)
when and how information may be verified; and
(ii)
what evidence must be provided to verify the information; and
(iii)
requirements with which evidence must comply.
(3)
Information required by a form specified under subsection (2)(a)(ii) must be required by this Act or prescribed by regulations.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 4
Section 34(2): inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 16 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Section 34(3): inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 16 of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
35 Regulations
(1)
The Governor-General may from time to time, by Order in Council, make regulations for one or more of the following purposes:
(a)
prescribing types of overseas relationships that are recognised in New Zealand as civil unions:
(b)
prescribing fees for any of the following:
(i)
giving notice of an intended civil union; and different fees (and different rules for the refund of any part of such fees) may be prescribed for notices given in different circumstances:
(ii)
the solemnisation of civil unions (which may prescribe different fees for solemnisation at different times or in different circumstances):
(iii)
the lodging of a notice of objection, or a copy of a notice of objection:
(iv)
applying for a certificate of no impediment:
(v)
applying to be a civil union celebrant:
(vi)
applying for reappointment as a civil union celebrant:
(vii)
applying to be an exempt body:
(c)
prescribing forms to be used for the purposes of this Act:
(d)
prescribing the matters that must be included in forms (other than prescribed forms) used in connection with civil unions:
(e)
providing for any other matter contemplated by this Act, necessary for its administration, or necessary for giving it full effect.
(2)
No regulations under subsection (1)(a) that recognise a type of overseas relationship may be made unless the Minister of Justice is satisfied that that type of overseas relationship is established or recognised under the law of another country or jurisdiction, and that the law of that country or jurisdiction—
(a)
does not permit or recognise the relationship unless both parties to it are at least 16 years old; and
(b)
does not permit or recognise the relationship if the parties are related as—
(i)
parent and child; or
(ii)
siblings or half-siblings; or
(iii)
grandparent and grandchild; and
(c)
requires that the parties explicitly consent to entering into the relationship; and
(d)
provides that the relationship ends only on the death of a party or by a judicial or other process that would be recognised in the courts of New Zealand as a dissolution; and
(e)
requires that, during the relationship, the parties may not enter into that sort of relationship with anyone else, and may not marry anyone else.
(3)
Regulations under this section are secondary legislation (see Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019 for publication requirements).
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 64
| Legislation Act 2019 requirements for secondary legislation made under this section | ||||
| Publication | PCO must publish it on the legislation website and notify it in the Gazette | LA19 s 69(1)(c) | ||
| Presentation | The Minister must present it to the House of Representatives | LA19 s 114, Sch 1 cl 32(1)(a) | ||
| Disallowance | It may be disallowed by the House of Representatives | LA19 ss 115, 116 | ||
| This note is not part of the Act. | ||||
Section 35(3): inserted, on 28 October 2021, by section 3 of the Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7).
36 Rules of procedure
(1)
Rules may be made under section 16A of the Family Court Act 1980 that regulate the practice and procedure of the Family Court in proceedings under sections 10, 19, and 22.
(2)
Rules made under the Family Court Act 1980 do not affect the practice and procedure of the District Court in proceedings under section 22.
Compare: 1955 No 92 s 64A
Section 36(1): amended, on 14 August 2018, by section 16(1) of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
Section 36(1): amended, on 1 March 2017, by section 261 of the District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49).
Section 36(2): replaced, on 14 August 2018, by section 16(2) of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
37 Appointment of civil union celebrants before section 26 comes into force
(1)
The Registrar-General may, before section 26 comes into force, receive applications from persons who wish to be appointed as civil union celebrants, and may appoint suitable persons under section 26(2).
(2)
The Registrar-General may give the Gazette notice required by section 26(3) at any time, but no person who is named in the notice is entitled to act as a civil union celebrant until the date on which section 26 comes into force, or any later date specified in the notice.
Subpart 4—Amendments to other enactments
Amendments to Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registration Act 1995
38 Amendments to section 2 of Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registration Act 1995
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
39 New Part 7A inserted in Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registration Act 1995
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Amendments to other enactments
40 Sections 16 and 23 of Adoption Act 1955 amended
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
41 Section 205 of Crimes Act 1961 amended
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
42 Section 206 of Crimes Act 1961 amended
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
43 New section 207 of Crimes Act 1961 substituted
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
44 Amendments to Family Proceedings Act 1980
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
45 Amendments to Family Proceedings Act 1980 made by Care of Children Act 2004 amended
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
46 Consequential amendments to other enactments
The enactments listed in Schedule 5 are consequentially amended in the manner indicated in that schedule.
Schedule 1AA Transitional, savings, and related provisions
Schedule 1AA: inserted, on 14 August 2018, by section 17 of the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22).
Part 1 Provisions relating to Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018
1 Interpretation
In this Part,—
2018 Act means the Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018
commencement date means the day on which the 2018 Act comes into force.
2 Consents given under section 19 or 20 before commencement date
Consents given under section 19 or 20 before the commencement date continue to have effect as if the 2018 Act had not been enacted.
Schedule 1 Exempt bodies
1 Application to become exempt body
(1)
A body that wishes to become an exempt body must apply to the Registrar-General for exemption in a manner specified by the Registrar-General.
(2)
The application must set out—
(a)
the name and contact address of the body; and
(b)
the objects and beliefs of the body; and
(c)
the approximate number of its members who are of or over the age of 16; and
(d)
an explanation of why the objects and beliefs of the body are inconsistent with the requirements of this Act for the solemnisation of a civil union; and
(e)
the rules and procedures that the body proposes to apply when solemnising a civil union; and
(f)
any prescribed information.
(3)
The application must be—
(a)
signed by at least 10 members of the body who are of or over the age of 16, each of whom must state his or her age and address; or
(b)
approved electronically by, or on behalf of, at least 10 members of the body who are of or over the age of 16 in a manner specified by the Registrar-General (see also section 128 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021).
(3A)
A person who is not a member of the organisation must verify, either electronically in a manner specified by the Registrar-General or by statutory declaration, that the signatories to an application signed under subsection (3)(a) are who they claim to be and are members of the body (see also section 128 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021).
Schedule 1 clause 1(1): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 17(1) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Schedule 1 clause 1(2)(e): amended, on 16 December 2017, by section 17(2) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Schedule 1 clause 1(2)(f): inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 17(3) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Schedule 1 clause 1(3): replaced, on 16 December 2017, by section 17(4) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Schedule 1 clause 1(3)(b): amended, on 15 June 2023, by section 147 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57).
Schedule 1 clause 1(3A): inserted, on 16 December 2017, by section 17(4) of the Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50).
Schedule 1 clause 1(3A): amended, on 15 June 2023, by section 147 of the Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57).
2 Registrar-General or Minister may grant exemption
(1)
The Registrar-General may agree to grant the exemption applied for if any prescribed application fee is paid and the Registrar-General is satisfied that—
(a)
the objects and beliefs of the body are inconsistent with the requirements of this Act for the solemnisation of a civil union; and
(b)
the rules and procedures that the body proposes to apply when solemnising a civil union are generally consistent with this Act and are otherwise satisfactory.
(2)
If the Registrar-General fails or refuses to agree to exempt the body, he or she must refer the matter to the Minister.
(3)
The Minister must agree to grant the exemption sought if he or she is satisfied as to the matters referred to in subclause (1), but, if the Minister is not so satisfied, he or she must refuse the application.
(4)
The Registrar-General must advise the applicant of the result of the application.
(5)
When the Registrar-General or the Minister agrees to exempt a body from the requirements of this Act for the solemnisation of a civil union, the Registrar-General must give notice in the Gazette of that fact, and the body is exempt from the date specified in the notice.
3 Exempt body to notify changes
(1)
An exempt body must notify the Registrar-General if—
(a)
it changes its name; or
(b)
it changes its objects and beliefs in a way that impacts on why it considers that the requirements of this Act for the solemnisation of a civil union are inconsistent with those objects and beliefs; or
(c)
it changes its rules and procedures for solemnising civil unions.
(2)
If the body notifies the Registrar-General that it has changed its name, the Registrar-General must give notice of that fact in the Gazette.
(3)
The Registrar-General must ask the Minister to cancel the exemption of an exempt body if the Registrar-General is satisfied that,—
(a)
as a result of changes referred to in subclause(1)(b) or (c), the body should no longer be an exempt body; or
(b)
the body has failed to conduct one or more civil unions in accordance with its rules and procedures as most recently notified to the Registrar-General.
(4)
If the Minister decides that the body should no longer be an exempt body, the Registrar-General must give notice in the Gazette that the body is no longer an exempt body, and notify the body accordingly.
(5)
A body ceases to be an exempt body on the date on which the notice referred to in subclause (4) is published in the Gazette.
Schedule 2 Prohibited degrees of civil union
1
Person A and person B are within the prohibited degrees of civil union if person A is person B’s—
| 1 | grandparent | |
| 2 | parent | |
| 3 | child | |
| 4 | grandchild | |
| 5 | sibling | |
| 6 | parent’s sibling | |
| 7 | sibling’s child | |
| 8 | grandparent’s spouse or civil union partner | |
| 9 | parent’s spouse or civil union partner | |
| 10 | spouse’s or civil union partner’s parent | |
| 11 | spouse’s or civil union partner’s grandparent | |
| 12 | spouse’s or civil union partner’s child | |
| 13 | child’s spouse or civil union partner | |
| 14 | grandchild’s spouse or civil union partner | |
| 15 | spouse’s or civil union partner’s grandchild |
2
The prohibited degrees of civil union apply whether the relationships described are by the whole blood or by the half blood.
3
In this schedule, spouse and civil union partner includes a former spouse or former civil union partner, whether alive or deceased, and whether the marriage or civil union was terminated by death, dissolution, or otherwise.
Schedule 4 New Schedule 2 inserted in Care of Children Act 2004
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Schedule 5 Consequential amendments to other enactments
Part 1Amendments to Acts
Births, Deaths, and Marriages Registration Act 1995 (1995 No 16)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Electoral Act 1993 (1993 No 87)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Family Courts Act 1980 (1980 No 61)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Privacy Act 1993 (1993 No 28)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Summary Proceedings Act 1957 (1957 No 87)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the Act(s).
Part 2Amendments to Regulations
Domestic Violence (Public Registers) Regulations 1998 (SR 1998/342)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the regulations.
Family Courts Rules 2002 (SR 2002/261)
Amendment(s) incorporated in the rules.
Notes
1 General
This is a consolidation of the Civil Union Act 2004 that incorporates the amendments made to the legislation so that it shows the law as at its stated date.
2 Legal status
A consolidation is taken to correctly state, as at its stated date, the law enacted or made by the legislation consolidated and by the amendments. This presumption applies unless the contrary is shown.
Section 78 of the Legislation Act 2019 provides that this consolidation, published as an electronic version, is an official version. A printed version of legislation that is produced directly from this official electronic version is also an official version.
3 Editorial and format changes
The Parliamentary Counsel Office makes editorial and format changes to consolidations using the powers under subpart 2 of Part 3 of the Legislation Act 2019. See also PCO editorial conventions for consolidations.
4 Amendments incorporated in this consolidation
Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Act 2021 (2021 No 57): section 147
Secondary Legislation Act 2021 (2021 No 7): section 3
Minors (Court Consent to Relationships) Legislation Act 2018 (2018 No 22): Part 2
Electronic Interactions Reform Act 2017 (2017 No 50): Part 1 subpart 2
District Court Act 2016 (2016 No 49): section 261
Criminal Procedure Act 2011 (2011 No 81): section 413
Births, Deaths, Marriages, and Relationships Registration Amendment Act 2008 (2008 No 48): section 47
Civil Union Amendment Act 2007 (2007 No 47)
Care of Children Act 2004 (2004 No 90): section 151
Versions
Civil Union Act 2004
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