Wills Month time to think of lasting gift

Kiwis are a generous bunch.

Every year, New Zealanders leave more than $190 million as gifts in their wills to registered charities.

One such individual is Hawke’s Bay woman Caroline McElnay. For Caroline, leaving a gift in her will to the Hawke’s Bay Foundation was an easy decision.

“I have only lived in Hawke’s Bay for 25 years but this is my home, and I want to help foster a sense of community here. I hope that by leaving a gift in my will I can help those organisations that work to do that. There is so much that can be done!”

Wills Month, an initiative of the Community Foundations of New Zealand, seeks to highlight the value of leaving a gift in your will to charity.

Running for the month of September, Wills Month gives individuals an opportunity to update an existing will and make a provision to their local community foundation.

Locally, the initiative is being run by Hawke’s Bay Foundation, with 10 legal firms offering the service to existing clients at no charge.

Andrew Wares, trustee of the foundation and a partner of participating law firm Sainsbury, Logan & Williams, encourages would-be donors to talk to their families before making changes.

“If you want to leave a portion of your estate to charity, it’s a good idea to discuss your intentions with your family, preferably with your lawyer present. This helps lessen the chances of family members challenging your will at a later date,” says Wares.

Gifts and bequests made to Hawke’s Bay Foundation are invested forever, with the interest being used to support local community organisations and projects. As the capital fund grows, so does the income, meaning each year, the foundation is able to put more and more money back into the Hawke’s Bay Community.

For Caroline, this is the real point of difference with Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s giving model. “I love knowing that my gift won’t be spent the year after I die, but will be invested for the longterm, and will keep giving back to the Hawke’s Bay community forever.”

The 10 firms participating are Bannister von Dadelszen, Bay Legal, Bramwell Bate Lawyers, Carlile Dowling, DK Legal, Gifford Devine, Langley Twigg Law, Sainsbury, Logan & Williams, Souness Stone and Willis Legal.

■ Wills Month runs from September 3-28. To find out more, visit www.hawkesbay foundation.org.nz or contact one of the participating firms.