Thu 12 Mar 2015 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
Bren Dyer Photography The New Zealand Defence Force’s lgbti support group Overwatch has congratulated one of its founding members on his historic wedding over the weekend. Squadron Leader Stu Pearce has married his long term partner David Fenwick at Ohakea’s base chapel. It’s the first time a New Zealand Defence Force Chapel has hosted a same-sex wedding. “The intimate and moving service was attended by family and friends and officiated by Human Rights Commissioner Mr Richard Tankersley,” Overwatch says. “During the Service, the NZDF’s Principal Chaplain, Colonel Lance Lukin, gave a reading and offered prayers for the newlywed couple.” The group says the ceremony was a special occasion for the couple, and for the Defence Force. “Since the passing of the Marriage Equality Bill in 2013 the New Zealand Defence Force has moved to ensure all serving couples who might wish to marry in a Service Chapel are allowed to do so.” Squadron Leader Pearce, who was one of the founders over Overwatch, serves on 3 Squadron as the Iroquois Section Commander. His new husband Dave served in the RAF until 2006 and the pair has over 35 years Air Force service between them. “The Base chapel is a beautiful, peaceful space, very much a shrine to the Air Force” Pearce says. “For Dave and I to celebrate our marriage there, amongst friends, family and fellow servicemen and women, was particularly poignant”. Overwatch says a reception was later held in the RNZAF Base Ohakea Officers’ Mess with celebrations going well into the night.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 12th March 2015 - 8:13am