Leaving a legacy that lasts

WILLS MONTH BLOG SERIES

During September Wills Month we are sharing thought pieces from our network of member Foundations and supporters.

Arron Perriam
Director of Philanthropy and Intergenerational Wealth
Craigs Investment Partners
8 September 2025

Wills Month is a timely reminder to ensure our affairs are in order and our loved ones are provided for. Everyone should have a will, no matter their age or stage of life. Yet, a will can be much more than a legal formality. It can pass on values, aspirations, and hope, and spark meaningful conversations about the legacy we want to leave behind.

New Zealand is entering an extraordinary period of intergenerational change. Over the coming decades, around $1.6 trillion[1] of accumulated wealth will be transferred between generations. If even a small proportion of this is transferred with purpose, the impact on our communities could be transformative. But if it passes without those conversations, much of that potential will be left to chance rather than an informed choice.

For me, this conversation is personal. I have seven grandchildren, and like many of you, I think often about the world they’ll inherit. A transformational legacy doesn't have to be about choosing between family or community. It can be about both. It’s about aligning our wealth with our values, so that our success in life can create enduring significance, not just for our loved ones, but for the causes and communities we care about. That’s what a transformational legacy truly is: using what we’ve built to make a meaningful difference that lasts beyond our lifetime.

So, what does this look like in practice? Sometimes it’s as simple as setting aside a portion of an estate for a cause that matters to you. It might be a scholarship fund, support for social housing, or backing indigenous-led initiatives that strengthen communities for generations to come. What often surprises people is how deeply rewarding it feels to make these choices. Families tell me the act of giving brings them closer together, gives them pride in their shared values, and creates a story they hope future generations will carry forward.

That’s the power of thoughtful and structured giving. Through your local Community Foundation or endowment funds, a bequest can grow over time and provide ongoing support year after year. It means that generosity isn’t just a one-off gift, but a lasting resource for the community. This is where wills truly become more than a formality: they become a bridge between what we value today and the legacy we want to leave for future generations.

Our role at Craigs is to help people explore these conversations early, not just the “what” of their wealth, but the “why.” These conversations can lay the groundwork for lasting change across generations, and Wills Month is the perfect time to start that conversation – with your family, with your adviser, or with your local Community Foundation.

As founding partners of Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand (CFANZ), Craigs is proud to champion their endowment model, which enables everyday New Zealanders to create meaningful, lasting impact in communities that matter to them.

If you are thinking about your will this Wills Month, consider how your legacy could include support for a cause that matters to you. I encourage you to consider not only who you’re leaving your wealth to, but also what story you want that wealth to tell.

A small gift today can become a powerful force for good tomorrow. If we work together, these gifts can strengthen communities across Aotearoa and create impact that lasts well beyond our lifetime.

[1] https://investmentnews.co.nz/investment-news/the-1-6-trillion-bequestion-jbwere-report-documents-nz-intergenerational-opportunity/