All in union

National MP Richard Worth wants changes to the Civil Union Bill so any form of relationship - including non-intimate relationships - can be officially recognised.

The move is an attempt to put more distance between marriage and the bill's controversial plan for civil unions by providing for recognition of non-intimate relationships as well.

Mr Worth, National's justice spokesman, said his plan - which includes changing the bill's name to the Civil Relationships Bill - would let any two people register a "civil relationship" with the state.

He said his proposal, which will be up for debate next Wednesday when the bill reaches its committee stages in Parliament, had big support in National's caucus as well as from leader Don Brash.

Once registered, parties would be issued a certificate which would provide certainty in key areas such as next-of-kin rights.

"The Civil Relationships Bill is more inclusive and recognises there is a diversity of relationships, and that many do wish to formally register their relationship to ensure they are recognised and protected in law."

Mr Worth said a common example was two elderly sisters living together and financially dependent on each other. They could not register their relationship and the Civil Union Bill excluded such people.

Mr Worth voted against the bill.