Official All Blacks New Zealand birth certificates launched

All Blacks supporters can declare their babies fans for life thanks to a new decorative birth certificate.

The Department of Internal Affairs has launched a new All Black-themed birth certificate in conjunction with New Zealand Rugby.

The new certificate is an extension of the existing range of official themed birth certificates. Standard non-decorative birth certificates are also available.

 

The new All Blacks themed birth certificates can also be ordered retrospectively.

 

Internal affairs deputy registrar-general Adrian Jarvis said about 60,000 birth certificates were issued every year.

The decorative range, which included scenes of a forest and a beach, was first launched in 2008. A special Treaty of Waitangi-themed certificate was also made available in 2015.

 

Internal Affairs says the launch of the decorative birth certificates ties in perfectly with the Lions tour.

 

Jarvis, who is a rugby fan, said it was about giving customers a range of options.

All births must be registered in New Zealand, which could be done online. This meant New Zealanders were able to choose whether or not they wanted a certificate. They could also be ordered retrospectively.

Jarvis said he had five children and he would be getting them each an All Blacks birth certificate.

"We reckon All Black supporters are born not made so we've been working hard to launch the new certificate while one of our great rivals is touring," Jarvis said.

The decorative certificates cost $35 while the standard certificate cost $33. Fees for birth, death, marriage and civil union products and services and products were raised in April.

Before that, prices were last set in 2003.