No Civil Union Celebrants to be Appointed Without Applying

14/1/2005

All existing marriage celebrants who wish to become civil union celebrants are required to submit applications to be appointed and registered as civil union celebrants before they can perform civil union ceremonies, the Department of Internal Affairs said today.

Brian Clarke, Registrar-General, Births Deaths and Marriages, explains that civil union celebrants are appointed under the Civil Union Act while marriage celebrants are appointed under the Marriage Act.

“There is a misconception in some sections of the community that marriage celebrants automatically become civil union celebrants or will not need to go through the complete application process. All applicants wishing to become civil union celebrants, whether or not they are a current registered marriage celebrant, will be required to submit a full and complete application with the necessary supporting documentation. The Department is required to do this under the law.

“There is however no requirement that marriage celebrants must become civil union celebrants or vice versa,’ says Brian Clarke.

Brian Clarke says advertising and information on the Department’s website and through their Contact Centre has clearly stated the need for applications to be received from intending civil union celebrants. “There is some confusion around this, thus we are making it clear that all interested persons must apply and meet the appointment criteria,” he says.

Civil union celebrants will be appointed progressively prior to the commencement date for civil unions on 26 April 2005.

Information about how to apply to become a civil union celebrant, including an application form and other relevant information, is available through Freephone number 0800 22 52 52 and website www.bdm.govt.nz

Meanwhile Brian Clarke says the applications to date meet expectations. “We expect more applications in coming weeks as people respond to our advertising,” he concludes.

Contact:
Tony Wallace
Media and Communications Adviser
Identity Services, Department of Internal Affairs

Phone 382 3437 (direct dial) or mobile 0274 402 667