The Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is recognised as a religious body under Schedule 1 of the Marriage Act 1955. This means that the Presbyterian Church has the authority to add ordained ministers to the denominational list.
Adding an ordained minister to the list
Once a minister has joined the list they are on there "for life" unless:
- The presbytery clerk requests that their name be removed; or,
- The minister requests that their name be removed; or,
- The Assembly Executive Secretary advises that the minister is no longer on the roll.
Contact details must be kept up to date. To update details on the list, please notify your presbytery and also Kate Wilson. All other changes to the denominational list are made as they are notified.
A minister residing overseas is not permitted by the Department of Internal Affairs to remain on the Celebrants Register. However, a minister returning to live in New Zealand, who is still on the PCANZ Ministerial Roll, can contact the Assembly Office to request reappointment to the register.
Contact information
To request to be added or deleted from the denominational list, or to assess eligibility please contact your presbytery clerk. To become a marriage celebrant in your own right please contact Department of Internal Affairs.