Legacies and Wills

When it comes to making a will, it is only right that your family and friends should come first. But that doesn't mean you can't also leave a gift to a cause close to your heart.

Brake is a national road safety charity working to support families bereaved and affected by road crashes across New Zealand, and educating groups who are at risk on the road. By remembering Brake in your will, you will help us to continue our life saving work and to make a difference to families across NZ who need our support, into the future.

How to leave a legacy

There are a few different options available to you when leaving a legacy:

• You could leave a pre-determined amount of money
• You could leave specific items such as jewellery or a piece of art
• You could leave a share in, or all of, what’s left of the value of your estate after all bills have been paid and all other legacies have been distributed

Guide to making a will

Making or updating a will is easier than you may think. By making a will you can be sure that all those you care about are looked after, including the charities that matter most to you. Brake would always recommend using a solicitor when making or changing a will.

Why make a will?
Making a properly drafted will is the only way to ensure that your family and friends, and the causes close to your heart, receive what you think and hope that they should receive from your estate.

If you have not made a will, part of your estate may go to family members you do not expect or in the amount you would not wish. Your family may also end up paying excessive tax.

Should I write my own will?
Homemade wills, including the 'over-the-counter' templates available, can lead to problems that sometimes cannot be easily rectified. Important details may be left out, or the will could be invalid or lead to unexpected tax bills. Dealing with these issues may require expensive professional advice and can cause a lot of distress for those involved. Brake would therefore always recommend obtaining the advice of a solicitor.

Does Brake offer a will-writing service?
Unfortunately we cannot draft your will or recommend specific solicitors, but if you have any general questions in relation to leaving a gift to Brake, including what your valued donation will be spent on, please contact Caroline on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..