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An Auckland man, who admitted bigamy, claims his second wife's religious family pressured him into it, according to court documents.
Rodney Peach faced one charge of bigamy and one of knowing that a document including details of marriage was forged.
He pleaded guilty to both charges at Manukau District Court and was remanded on bail to be sentenced next month.
Peach, 52, was accused of marrying Trisha Faiainoa while still married to Tania Peach.
It is understood Tania Peach had no idea her husband of almost 28 years had remarried.
The couple, who have two children, and she now lives in Australia.
According to a police file, Peach walked into the police station and handed himself in only two days after he married Oeti.
According to a police summary Peach said he confessed due somewhat to pressure placed on him by Oeti's family.
Official documents show Peach separated legally from his first wife in August 2008.
He told police that Oeti knew he was separated and that he had not left his wife for the legally required two years.
Peach told police he used his brother's information to apply for a marriage license. He admitted that he later used his computer to change the details to his own and printed out the document.
He said he later disposed of the computer and the printer.
Under the Marriage Act people have to swear that they are single when applying for a marriage licence.
If someone is married when they complete the application they are committing fraud and face up to seven years in prison.
