BDM515

Good character reference for 
organisation/church marriage 
celebrant applicant

Last updated 7 April 2025

Two referees are required. Both referees must be over 16 years old and be from outside your 
organisation. Referees cannot be family members. 

How to answer this form:

• You can complete this form by hand or on-screen using Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• You can use the Tab key to move to the next fillable form field in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• You must still print off the application and sign by hand.



Section 1: 
Applicant’s details

1. Applicant’s current name

First and middle names


(Enter first and middle names) 


Surname or family names


(Enter surname or family names) 



Section 2: Good character reference

A person outside the organisation, other than a family member, who is over 16 years of age, must 
complete and sign.

2. 
Referee’s name

First and middle names


(Enter first and middle names) 


Surname or family names


(Enter surname or family names) 


3. How many years have you known the applicant?

Years


(Enter number of years you have known the applicant) 




4. 
Declaration

I declare that the applicant is a person of good character. I fully support their application to be a 
marriage celebrant.

Your signature

Date signed (dd/mm/yyyy)


(Enter date using format dd/mm/yyyy) 


5. Referee’s contact details

Contact phone number


(Enter referee's contact phone number) 


Email address


(Enter referee's email address) 


 
Next steps

Print and sign the form. 

Applicant to include this form in their application.

 Contact details

Website: govt.nz/bdm/contactus