Tourism New Zealand is using the country’s recent Marriage Amendment Act to give Australian same-sex couples the chance to win a wedding in New Zealand on the first day the legislation comes into force.

The ‘Make History’ competition run on The Star Observer Facebook page invites gay and lesbian couples in Australia to submit a photo of themselves and 25 word explanation of why they would love to get married in NZ.

A winning couple announced on July 11 will be entitled to flights from any major Australian city to the wedding destination for up to ten people, two nights accommodation for the wedding party and five nights for the couple. It also includes a wedding ceremony and reception at a location that has yet to be revealed.

The wedding will be held on August 19, the first day the Marriage Amendment Act comes into force, so the couple can be the first Australian same-sex couple to marry in New Zealand.

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Tim Burgess, Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager Australia, said: “New Zealand has many stunning wedding settings to choose from. We are excited to be making history and working with one lucky same-sex couple to become the very first from Australia to be married here in New Zealand.”