In 2021 parliament unanimously passed a bill that would allow people to change their recorded sex on their birth certificates Photo: 123rf
A law change allowing New Zealand citizens to change their registered sex on their birth certificate has kicked in from today.
The new self-identification provisions mean instead of going through the Family Court or providing proof of medical treatment, individuals can apply to the Registrar-General of Births, Deaths, and Marriages directly by filling out and submitting a statutory declaration.
It allows the applicant to change their registered sex to male, female, or non-binary.
However, the legislation only applies to births registered in New Zealand, as the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) cannot amend foreign birth certificates.
The DIA said applicants under 15 years old would need a guardian to make the application on their behalf, with a supporting letter from a third party such as a doctor, psychologist, or psychotherapist.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds could submit their own application, with either a letter of support or guardian consent.
Parliament unanimously passed the law change at the end of 2021.