Hey there, Kiwis! Let’s talk about something we all know and love to think about – “our mortality”.

I know it is not the most thrilling topic but bear with me because we are about to embark on a journey that is equal parts informative with a bit of satire. We are diving headfirst into the world of Wills New Zealand style!

Picture this: You are sipping on your favourite flat white, gazing at the picturesque landscape of Aotearoa and pondering life’s mysteries. Suddenly, it hits you – you’ve got to get your affairs in order! Yip, that’s right, it’s time to chat about Wills and why having a current one is absolutely critical.

Avoiding family feuds

First things first, a Will is like a magical peace treaty that prevents your loved ones from turning into squabbling seagulls at your demise. Without a Will, Uncle Maurice might want your vintage record collection while Aunty Carla is eyeing your classic car and cousin Karen thinks she’s the rightful heir to your prize collection of Kiwi memorabilia. Chaos, right? But with a Will you can specify who gets what and trust me it will save your family from sitcom level drama.

Protecting your pūtea

Your bank accounts, that secret stash under your mattress and all those investments you’ve been quietly growing – need a designated caretaker. You will ensure your pūtea finds a responsible home, so it doesn’t just vanish into thin air or worse, end up funding someone’s dream of opening a sheep-themed amusement park.

Guardianship giggles

If you are a parent, without a Will, you leave the decision of who raises your little rascals, up to the Courts. Now picture this, Judge Dredd deciding your children’s fate, Yikes! But with a Will, you can appoint a guardian whose usual passion is for vegemite and pavlova, just like you.

Keeping it current

Here’s the kicker: Your Will isn’t a “set it and forget it” deal. Life changes, people come and go, and assets shift around. So just like that quirky tattoo you got in your 20s, your Will needs updates. Marriages, dissolutions, births and deaths, are events that should trigger a Will revision otherwise your ex might end up inheriting your vintage Kiwi bird collection and that’s just awkward! Remember, a marriage revokes a Will unless it is made in contemplation of that marriage.

Kiwi approved legalities

In New Zealand, we take our Wills seriously. There are specific legal requirements to ensure your wishes are ironclad. That is why it is essential to consult a legal expert or a lawyer when creating or updating your Will. They will make sure it is all good in the legal hood!

So, there you have it, fellow Kiwis! Having a current Will in New Zealand is like having a backstage to a drama-free afterlife. You get to decide who gets your stuff, protect your pūtea and even make sure your children end up with the right guardian, who will provide them with the same lifestyle they are used to.

Remember, life is unpredictable, but with a current Will you can keep a little piece of that beautiful New Zealand tranquillity even when you’re sipping flat whites in the great beyond.

Cheers to a wilful, worry-free future.