The mayor of Wellington is set to be the celebrant at one of the first same-sex civil unions in early May. The happy couple, Wellington granddads Des Smith and John Jolliff, became known as the poster boys for civil unions during the campaign for law reform last year. Jolliff says its a public recognition of their commitment and love, gives their relationship legal safeguards, as well as disposing of any doubt about the calibre of it. After the ceremony, which will include an exchange of rings and several traditional elements, the couple plan to lead a parade over the city-to-sea bridge towards the harbour, where a kapa haka group and brass band will be there to greet them. "There may be nothing borrowed, nothing blue, but there will be a couple of old buggers and something new," laughed Mr Jolliff. A list of registered civil union celebrants, listed by region, is now available on the Department of Internal Affairs website at http://www.dia.govt.nz/and clicking the featured link Civil Union.