Civil union statistics
Civil union statistics are based on the number of civil unions registered in New Zealand. A civil union involves the act, ceremony or process by which the legal relationship of two people is constituted. A civil union may be entered into by couples of the same sex or by couples of different sexes. In New Zealand, a civil union may be solemnised either by a civil union celebrant or before a registrar of civil unions. A licence must be obtained from a registrar before a civil union can be solemnised, and notice must be given by one of the parties to a registrar.
Divorce statistics
Divorce statistics provide information on orders for dissolution of marriage granted in New Zealand. An application for marriage dissolution can be made by either the husband or wife on the grounds that the marriage has broken down irreconcilably, provided a two-year separation requirement is satisfied. Orders for dissolution of marriage cannot be granted if both marriage partners live outside New Zealand.
De facto union (consensual union)
The definition of a de facto union is two people usually living in the same dwelling, but not in a registered marriage or civil union to each other, who: (a) share mutual concern for each other, (b) have a degree of economic, social and emotional interdependence, and (c) consider their relationship to be akin to marriage.
Marriage statistics
Marriage statistics are based on the number of marriages registered in New Zealand. A marriage involves the act, ceremony or process by which the legal relationship of husband and wife is constituted. In New Zealand, marriage may be solemnised either by a celebrant or before a registrar of marriages. A licence must be obtained from a registrar before a marriage by a celebrant can be solemnised, and notice must be given by one of the parties to a registrar.
Resident population concept
This release refers to vital events (marriages, civil unions and divorces) registered in New Zealand by date of registration. It excludes people who normally reside overseas. Demographic rates are calculated using the mean estimated resident population.
Rounding
Marriage, civil union and divorce figures contained in the tables attached to this release are unrounded. All other figures have been rounded. Derived figures (for example, percentage annual increase and marriage rates) have been calculated using unrounded data.
More information
For more information on marriages, civil unions or divorces, follow the links from the 'Technical notes' of this release on the Statistics New Zealand website.
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