Thu 24 Feb 2011 In: Weddings and Civil Unions View at Wayback View at NDHA
On Feb 18 2011, Brad and Rob from Perth became Civil Union Partners at a private ceremony with friends in Glen Eden, Auckland. Civil Union celebrant Keith de Carteret presided over the ceremony. "Keith made us feel so welcome and his partner and a friend even made us a wedding cake and bear grooms. The service was so personal and professional," says Brad. "We were visiting NZ for NZ Bear week and decided to officiate our love by having a civil union and it was a wonderful day. We hope that one day our civil union will be accepted in Australia giving Aussies the same rights as our fellow mates in New Zealand." The couple met at Bears Perth pool Party on 9 December 2007 and started officially dating on Christmas Day, after Brad "was pushy and finally got rob to say yes to dating, ha ha" (he writes to GayNZ.com). "We have been together since then and moved in with each other a couple of months later," Brad adds. They travelled to Melbourne to meet friends from Christchurch in October 2010. Following a fabulous meal at Vue de Monde restaurant, Rob presented Brad with a beautiful Tiffany Ring and asked to be married. Brad says it's infuriating that a country as developed as Australia is still so far behind the eight ball when it comes to equality for civil partnership. "Things have certainly improved over the past few years in Australia in regards to equality but we still have a long way to go for total acceptance and equality," he says. "Thank you New Zealand for sharing your beautiful country, culture and people with us and allowing us the opportunity to celebrate our love," the couple finishes. Had a civil union or are planning one? Email gaynz@woosh.co.nz and share your love story! Jacqui Stanford - 24th February 2011