“I NOW pronounce you, married.” And with those words history was made.

As New Zealanders welcomed an amendment to the Marriage Act this morning which sees gay couples free to wed, Australians had their own slice of celebrations in its capital, Wellington.

Paul McCarthy and Trent Kandler from Newcastle NSW dressed in matching suits to legally wed.

They are the first Australian same sex couple to marry in New Zealand.

“It was a feeling that I hadn’t realised I had not had. I was equal. Complete.” Mr McCarthy said.

“The relationship we have together is recognised.”

Joined by a small group of friends and family, the ceremony was a traditional one with Paul walking down the aisle and both men given away by their parents.

There was an exchanging of rings and the final declaration: “I now pronounce you married”.

“Marriages are about tradition, said Mr McCarthy. “For the marriage to be validated it needed to be done correctly. I wanted it to be perfect.”

But it was the vows which set off a flood of tears. Emotional, poignant and inspiring.

“We are indeed truly fortunate to have found each other,” Kandler said.
“I am in awe that we have this opportunity to finally make our dream a reality.

“I am so proud to stand together as a couple today. Ready to become united in marriage and to spend the rest of our days together. With love, friendship and our steadfast belief in each other.”

The ceremony took place at New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. The couple wed under The Marae, a series of carvings encompassing the main tribes in the wider Wellington region.

“It recognises peace and neighbourhood, it’s meant to embrace everybody, where people are treated with dignity and respect,” said Rhona Paku, a representative of Te Papa Museum.

The newlyweds will enjoy a reception this afternoon with family, and will also spend their honeymoon in New Zealand.

Thirty one same-sex couples are expected to say “I do” in New Zealand today.

A further 1000 are expected to do the same in the coming weeks.

“I’m quite proud to be a New Zealander. It’s really moving, said David Perks, CEO of Positively Wellington Tourism.

“Wellington is proud to be a liberal, welcome city.

“Its great we can bring people like Trent and Paul and welcome them to Wellington and give them their special moment in life.”

Back home, Australian Marriage Equality Chairperson Alex Greenwich sent his blessings to the couple, including a reminder of Australia’s laws on gay marriage.

“Today New Zealand joins France, Canada, Argentina and a number of other countries celebrating and recognising the love and commitment shared by same-sex couples,” he said.

“Many Aussie same-sex couples will now travel to New Zealand to get married, and it is a shame they must leave the country to marry the person they love.”

Photo: Getty Images
Author: Matt Young
Publication: The Telegraph
Date: 19 August 2013