Provisional Statistics New Zealand figures show 117 same sex couples have married since on August 19.
Statistics Minister Maurice Williamson said the information shows:
- One third of same sex marriages were for overseas residents.
- 47 of the 117 marriages were couples who transferred their civil union to marriage .
- There were 61 female couples and 56 males couples wed.
The number of same sex marriages for the September quarter represents about 4% of the 2798 marriages registered in New Zealand.
After the first rush of same-sex couples exercising their new right to marry, the number tying the knot has evened out to about 13 a week, statistics suggest.
The Manurewa MP, Louisa Wall said it was great so many same-sex couples were choosing marriage.
“I’m pleased that having created the opportunity [for marriage] that so many people are taking it.”
Ms Wall said the high number of foreign same-sex couples marrying in New Zealand was something she had underestimated.
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