September is Wills Month in New Zealand, an annual nationwide campaign led by Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ (CFANZ) to encourage people to create a new will, update an existing one, and consider leaving a charitable gift.

According to CFANZ, Wills Month served as a reminder to ensure people’s legal instructions, asset division and executor choices were clear and up to date.

It also served to protect loved ones. “Having an up-to-date will reduces confusion and heartache for your whānau.”

As part of Wills Month, a number of local law firms, charities and online platforms offered special promotions, discounts, or free will-writing services during September if people included a charitable bequest.

According to Giving in Aotearoa NZ, research conducted by BERL in 2026, most people were interested in gifts in wills as an extension of their personal values.

Consumer NZ said 50% of New Zealanders have a will.

“Wills aren’t just for those who have a lot of assets. Every adult should have a will. If you die without a will, the law is inflexible about what happens to your possessions,” it said.

“A will can also help you leave a legacy for your loved ones to remember you by.”

According to Consumer NZ, a will should state the following: that it’s your last will and revokes all previous wills; how you want your estate distributed; who will be your executor; who will be the legal guardian(s) of children under 18 if you and your partner are dead; anything else that’s important to you (such as instructions for your funeral).

Find out more at: www.consumer.org.nz/money/personal-finance/wills