Nothing’s sweeter than love, especially on a hump day.
And what better way to express that love than with a free trip to NZ?
Tourism New Zealand is on the hunt for a same-sex couple looking to put a ring on it and be a part of history in the making.
The tourism body announced last month it will offer one lucky couple the chance to be the First Australians to say “I do” in honour of the recognition of same-sex marriage in New Zealand’s Marriage Amendment Act.
And while the marriage might not be legally binding in Australia, we still think it’s a pretty nifty experience, a show of support from a neighbouring country and one hell of a way to express your commitment.
And by the looks of it, so does the rest of Australia’s same-sex community with the official word that entries were coming in “thick and fast”.
So we thought it would be nice to share six stories from same-sex couples vying to win the trip. We think they are winners, with or without a marriage certificate.
Kristal and Natalie
Sydney, NSW , together for four years
We met while working together at a Subway Store and have been inseparable ever since. We knew after a short period of time that we were soulmates and while on a Fijian Holiday in August of 2010 Natalie proposed while we were lying in a hammock listening to the ocean and looking at the stars.
Marriage Equality is obviously an issue that is close to home, but we would love nothing more than to be at the forefront of the issue alongside New Zealand, in standing up for all the GLBTI community and our right to marry the person we love. Plus, I would finally have the chance to marry the girl of my dreams and show the world how proud I am to be her partner.
Siobhán and Anna
Canberra, ACT , together for six years
We met first about ten years ago at a work conference but didn’t get to know each other until I became Siobhan’s boss in 2006. It took us longer than anyone who knew us to realise that perhaps we should start dating, which we did – but only after I had ceased to be Siobhan’s boss!
I’m a New Zealander who left my family behind to live in Australia and Siobhan’s entire family is in Australia. We went through a lot to find each other but in each other we have found a soulmate and one true love.
Darren and Nigel
Amelup, Western Australia , together for three years
It’s not a very big gay community down here in the great southern, it was only a matter of time before we met. Nigel brought a lasagne out to the farm on the second date and it’s been pretty solid ever since.
We want to make a commitment to each other and have that piece of paper to make life easier. We decided we wanted to have a family, Nigel was selling his business and making all these compromises so I thought, we should make a commitment to each other. Now there are 150 people on the guest list!
Melanie and Cindra
Newcastle, NSW , together for three years
My ‘wife’ and I moved to Canada last year and decided to get married, as marriage is legal there also. We invited family and friends, but Cindra’s family did not attend. They were not fully supportive of our decision, or our love. This was heartbreaking for my wife, we had a wonderful celebration but it wasn’t complete for her. Since we have been back in Australia, her family has really come around. I would love the opportunity to give my wife another wedding, where her family could be in attendance.
Jonny and Piers
Gold Coast, Queensland , together for six years
We met doing laps at the local swimming pool. I started talking to Piers, I wasn’t out at the time so I was still finding myself and discovering who I was. I took a chance.
I want to be recognised by my country that I live in and I want our relationship to be recognised by the people that are closest to us. Even though some say the piece of paper doesn’t matter, to me it does, because it represents something. Oh, and if we win, we’re inviting that bloody champion Maurice Williamson!
Daniel and Matthew
Bundaberg, Queensland , together for three months
We are both very adventurous boys and we think that New Zealand would be the perfect backdrop to continue our adventure.
Matt and I have only both just come out, Matt last year and me this year. We have known each other for 4 months but it feels like we have been together forever. I love making a joke about how we first met because technically it was in the back seat of my friend’s car… My friend was picking up people to go to a pool party and I was the last person to pick up. Lo and behold Matt was sitting in the back seat, so we introduced ourselves.
Author: Matt Young
Publication: news.com.au – The Australian
Date: 10 July 2013