Gay marriage law author Louisa Wall won't be able to marry her same-sex partner in her own Ratana Church.

Prime Minister John Key says he gave approval to National MP Maurice Williamson to appear on American talkshow Ellen because it was an opportunity to promote New Zealand as a tolerant, progressive country.

The Prime Minister has given his blessing for minister Maurice Williamson to appear on the Ellen DeGeneres show after Mr Williamson became an unexpected gay icon.

Champagne corks - and questions - were being popped as this country became the 13th in the world to allow gay couples to marry, writes Kerry McIvor

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

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.

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

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.

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.

What do you think of the arguments against same-sex marriage? Are they inherently flawed or do some of them make sense to you?

NZ is set become the 13th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage. Scroll through our interactive timeline above to see NZ's history of rights for gay people.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.