The gay marriage debate was set alight by three unlikely heroes - all of them grey-haired, conservative MPs.

Robyn Paterson and Paula Boock have been engaged for less than three days, but their families are already planning the wedding.

The legalisation of gay marriage in New Zealand does not eliminate every shred of legal inequalities for gay couples, with a grey area still remaining around adoption.

Maurice Williamson is coming to terms with his status as a poster boy for gay rights - but says it went "a bit far" when he was called an "openly gay MP".

Celebrants already have marriage bookings for gay couples who were confident it would become legal.

Australian gay and lesbian couples are already lining up to marry in New Zealand, with marriage equality advocates estimating it will pump millions into the economy.

A Tauranga man is celebrating the historic passage of same-sex marriage legislation which means he can now fulfil a life-long dream.

Celebrities from Macklemore to Chelsea Clinton have saluted New Zealand for making gay marriage legal.

The legalisation of same-sex marriages in New Zealand has made headlines around the world - and one National MP's speech has become a sensation.

When the moment came, Parliament erupted in cheers of joy and relief as the gay community finally achieved full equality.

A bill to legalise same-sex marriage has become law tonight after months of emotional debate.

The sponsor of a bill to make gay marriage legal thanked her "darling" partner before a historic vote on the last step towards marriage equality.

The discussion on the rights and wrongs of Wall's private member's bill has been conducted in a pretty civilised fashion both inside and outside Parliament, writes John Armstrong.

If MPs were following the leaders, the leaders were probably following the polls which had started to show greater support for the proposal, writes Claire Trevett.

Parliament has passed a law legalising gay marriage, 77 votes to 44, amid loud shows of jubilation from the floor and gallery.

Some MPs who have voted against the same-sex marriage bill have not changed their minds on the matter leading up the bill's final reading tonight.

An Eketahuna man who confronted a gay couple on the town's main street, called them poofters and accused them of spreading Aids was yesterday convicted of using offensive language.

New Zealand is expected to become the 13th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage this evening as a bill to amend marriage law comes before Parliament for its final hurdle. Here are two views on the bill.

New Zealand is expected to become the 13th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage this evening as a bill to amend marriage law comes before Parliament.

Editorial: When the Marriage Equality Bill passes its final vote in Parliament, possibly tonight, it will signify a marked social change.

Government officials have backed off plans to delete the terms "bride" and "bridegroom" from marriage certificates if Parliament votes tomorrow to legalise gay marriage.

Supporters of a bill to legalise same-sex marriage may be turned away from Parliament for its historic final stage.

Does equality require same sex marriage? Vote and have your say. Gay unions are inherently different, writes one contributor, while another argues that all love deserves respect.

The words "bride" and "bridegroom" could disappear from official marriage forms if Parliament votes, as expected, on Wednesday to legalise same-sex marriages.