Leave a gift in your will
Since 2016 donors such as yourself, working alongside hundreds of volunteers and supported by many donor organisations, have transformed old farm paddocks into a vibrant, regenerating wetland. We have seen signature species such as the matuku-hūrepo (Australasian bittern) and pāteke (Brown teal) return to the wetlands. Wetland forests are being recreated and biodiversity increasing.
This is the work of a lifetime, many lifetimes in fact, and your gift in your will enables the continuing journey of regeneration and restoration. Your legacy will be found in the fresh water, clean ponds and increasing native wildlife.
How to leave a gift to Matuku Link in your will:
It is easy to leave a gift for Matuku Link in your will. When you next see your solicitor to update your will simply request that you would like to leave a gift to Matuku Link. You could copy the suggested wording below and take that to your solicitor.
There are three types of legacy wording in a will. ( It is important to consult with your solicitor before choosing an option.)
- A specific sum, or
- Percentage of your estate, or
- The rest and residue of your estate.
While many people consider leaving a specific amount as a legacy in a will, you may wish to select the option of a set percentage of your estate. The advantage of the second option is that it allows for changes in inflation and circumstances relating to your own assets at the time of disbursement. The third option makes certain that the other beneficiaries of your will are properly cared for before dispersement to Matuku Link.
Because the wording of a will is very important it is strongly advised that you consult a solicitor before making adjustments to your will. Simple errors in wording can create confusion and delays in carrying out your wishes. It is important you include the full name of the charity – MATUKU RESERVE TRUST BOARD (hereinafter known as Matuku Link) – together with our registered charity number which is CC53807.
How to word your will clearly:
For the convenience of your solicitor or advisor who may be helping you draw up your will, here are examples of useful and accurate wording, covering two types of legacy.
1 – Legacy of all or part of a net estate
‘I give to MATUKU RESERVE TRUST BOARD, registered charity number CC53807 (hereinafter called Matuku Link) the residue (or % share of the residue) of my estate absolutely and I direct that (i) the proceeds may be used to for the general purposes of Matuku Link and (ii) a receipt signed by a person for the time being authorised by the governing body of Matuku Link shall be a good and sufficient discharge to my executors’.
2 – Fixed sum legacy
‘I give to MATUKU RESERVE TRUST BOARD, registered charity number CC53807 (hereinafter called Matuku Link) the sum of $______ and I direct that (i) the proceeds may be used for the general purposes of Matuku Link and (ii) a receipt signed by a person for the time being authorised by the governing body of Matuku Link shall be a good and sufficient discharge to my executors’.
Types of gift:
Leaving a general gift towards the work of Matuku Link provides flexibility for us to respond to the most urgent conservation issues as they emerge. However, we would be delighted to discuss with you the best options if you wish to leave a gift in your will towards a specific purpose.
Residue: The ‘residue’ is the term used to describe what property of yours is left over after the deduction of specific gifts, debts, legacies, tax and the expenses of administration.
Specified sum or assets: You may prefer to leave a specific amount of money, real estate, shares, bonds, items or a nominated gift to the charity.
It is important to include the full legal name of Matuku Link in your Will (MATUKU RESERVE TRUST BOARD), including the registered Charity Number (CC53807), to ensure correct distribution.
You do not necessarily need to rewrite your whole will. Sometimes an addition, or codicil, can be attached to an existing will. As always, consult with your solicitor before finalising your will.
Please get in touch if you have any questions, want more information, or if there is a specific part of Matuku Link’s mahi you would like to support: hello@matukulink.org.nz
Photo: Jacqui Geux
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