Making a Will in New ZealandWhy It Matters

Why it matters

A will records what you want to happen to your property, money and possessions after you die. It can also name the person responsible for administering your estate and record wishes relating to matters such as your funeral, tangi, dependants or children.

Without a clear and legally valid will, your estate may not be distributed in the way you intended.

What you should consider

When preparing a will, think about:

• •Who should receive your assets
• •Who should act as your executor
• •Who should care for children or other dependants
• •Whether you want to leave specific gifts
• •What should happen to personal belongings or digital assets
• •Any funeral, tangi or memorial wishes

Under the Wills Act 2007, most people aged 18 or over can make, change or revoke a will.