Neil Pharaoh (second from left) and Chris Eavers flanked by Peleratino Malo (left) and Evin Tariu (far right), during the two Australian men's civil union in Auckland on Thursday. Photo / Supplied
Neil Pharaoh (second from left) and Chris Eavers flanked by Peleratino Malo (left) and Evin Tariu (far right), during the two Australian men's civil union in Auckland on Thursday. Photo / Supplied
A civil union between two Australian men was made possible in Auckland when a young couple agreed to act as witnesses at the registry office ceremony.
But it was their actions after the short ceremony on Thursday that blew the two visitors away.
Neil Pharaoh and Chris Eavers tied the knot in New Zealand because gay couples cannot legally marry in Australia.
When they planned the civil union they knew they wouldn't know anyone to act as witnesses but were told that they could ask people in the waiting room of the registry office at the Department of Internal Affairs.
"The celebrant asked us to find two witnesses," Pharaoh, 33, said. "We just went over to them and said we didn't know anybody in New Zealand and would you be comfortable being witnesses for us?"
Pharaoh and Eavers, 25, had approached Peleratino Malo and Evin Tariu.
"They were two of the most lovely people you can imagine," Pharaoh said. "They were the best witnesses you could have wanted, genuinely happy for us both, and such beautiful people.
"They took photos for us and I think the girl even had a little cry which was lovely."
After the ceremony the newlyweds decided to buy a bottle of wine each for their stand-in witnesses and mailed them to the pair, who live separately in Avondale.
But unbeknown to them, Malo and Tariu were so moved at being part of the ceremony they were also out buying gifts for the Melbourne couple.
"When we got to dinner that night up at Sky Tower, there was a card from both of them, a dozen red roses and a box of chocolates."
Eavers said the gesture was heartwarming.
"It was such a beautiful thought, genuine kindness, love and friendship from strangers.
"As well as a great memory of Auckland, we will treasure the photo we took, of the four of us at the registry office, showing and reminding us of the kindness of strangers."
The card, flowers and chocolates sent by an Auckland couple to two Australian men they acted as witnesses for in a civil union. Photo / Facebook.
Tariu posted about the event on Facebook saying she and Malo were in the waiting room when they were approached by "two lovely men who asked us to be witnesses for their beautiful civil union".
"Of course we said yes. I couldn't stop smiling the entire time and couldn't stop the tears too.
"It was perfect. Full of excitement, laughter and so much love. So happy to meet such lovely people. We left smiling and our hearts were so full seeing them so happy.
"So we sent them flowers, chocolates and a card to where they were having dinner tonight just to show how happy we are for them and to help them celebrate their love."
