256 gay or lesbian New Zealand couples registered their civil unions in 2008 - almost the same number as were civil unioned in the previous year.
111 were male couples and 145 were female couples. There were also 71 opposite-sex unions registered, and 78 registered to New Zealanders living overseas, revealed Statistics New Zealand today.
The figures show civil union numbers are remaining steady. 253 same-sex couples civil unioned in 2007, down from 319 in 2006, the year after the Civil Union Bill was passed into law.
Up to 31 December 2008, eight civil unions had been dissolved.
New Zealand's first-ever Civil Union Mini-Expo happened in Auckland last August. The popular event matched same-sex couples with the products and services they needed for their dream big day.
Have you had a special civil union day? GayNZ.com would love to share your story with our readers. Contact us at: editor@gaynz.com.
