The heartbeat of a place - legacy with meaning

WILLS MONTH BLOG SERIES

In the lead up to September Wills Month we are sharing thought pieces from our network of member Foundations and supporters.

Josh Hickford
CEO
Taranaki Foundation
25 August 2025

September is Wills Month – a time when all New Zealanders are encouraged to pause and think about legacy. Not just in the financial sense, but in the wider question: what will I leave behind for others?

For me, legacy is about more than money, more than just dollars. It’s the relationships we build, the time we give, the partnerships we nurture, and the way we come together as communities. Legacy is the ripple that continues long after we’re gone.

At Taranaki Foundation we’ve seen first-hand what it feels like when a community “gets it.” When it clicks. The train rolls forward on its own steam. It’s a special thing to witness. People are beginning to see the Foundation as theirs – something that belongs to this place, and firmly a permanent fixture for the future.

That sense of ownership is visible to the naked eye. You can see the impact in projects like Destination Kāwaroa, where generosity, partnerships, and shared vision created something extraordinary for our region. You see it in the smiles on people’s faces, in the emotion of those who experience it. When generosity creates that sort of feeling, it becomes part of the community heartbeat.

And here’s the important thing: giving takes many shapes. Some give money. Others give time, advice, or connections. Some create opportunities through their business. All of it matters. All of it counts.

But during Wills Month, I want to highlight one particularly powerful way to give: through your Will. Leaving a gift in your Will is a way of carrying forward what you love about the place you call home. It gives those who walk the path after you the chance to achieve what you’ve done – or perhaps even more. That’s when the magic happens.

I also want to acknowledge the important role of professional advisers in this process. As a Chartered Accountant myself, I know how vital those conversations are. Lawyers, accountants, and advisers are trusted guides. Don’t be afraid to raise the idea of leaving a legacy gift with your adviser – they will listen, help shape it, and ensure your intentions are honoured.

So, here’s my challenge to you this September: What do you really care about? What do you love about this place you call – or once called – home? Think about how you might carry that forward, for the benefit of generations to come.

Because when generosity and community come together, it doesn’t just change projects. It changes the heartbeat of a place – forever.

Josh Hickford, FCA | CE Taranaki Foundation, Trustee CFANZ, CA ANZ Councillor