After looking after the people you love, a gift in your Will to Deaf Aotearoa can ensure future generations of Deaf people can access language, community, opportunity and the freedom to participate fully in Aotearoa.
Your Will is first and foremost a way to care for the people closest to you and make your wishes clear. After providing for family and loved ones, you may also choose to remember a community or cause that has shaped your life and values.
It's easy to think a gift like this is only for people with plenty to spare. It doesn't have to be that way. A percentage of your estate can become a lasting expression of your belief in access, connection and equity.
The needs of the Deaf community will continue to evolve. A flexible gift in your Will can help Deaf Aotearoa respond to future priorities while continuing to strengthen language, access, participation and Deaf leadership across Aotearoa.
Ensure Deaf children, Deaf youth and their families grow with NZSL, confidence, identity and connection.
From First Signs for children aged 0–5 and their whānau, to Youth services and Deaf role models, future support can help strengthen early language access, belonging and opportunities for the next generation of Deaf leaders.
Ensure Deaf people have access to information, services and opportunities in their first language.
Legacy gifts can support a future with accessible information, advocacy, education and responsive services that ensure Deaf people can navigate health, employment, learning and everyday life with greater choice, confidence and independence.
Strengthen Deaf-led advocacy and a more accessible, inclusive Aotearoa.
Future support can ensure protection and promotion of NZSL so Deaf voices are amplified. It helps build Deaf leadership and work with communities, government and organisations to remove barriers to full participation.
There are several ways to include Deaf Aotearoa in your Will. The right choice depends on your wishes, your estate and the people you want to provide for. A solicitor can help you decide what is most appropriate for you.
A nominated percentage of your whole estate. It can be as small or as large as feels right for you and allows gifts to family, friends and causes to remain in proportion.
A set amount of money. It is important to describe the gift clearly and seek independent legal advice.
A clearly identified asset, such as property or shares. It is important to describe the gift clearly and seek independent legal advice.
Making or updating a Will is an important personal decision. Before you begin, consider who you want to provide for, who you will appoint as executor and whether you would like to include a gift to Deaf Aotearoa.
Some people prefer to work with a solicitor, particularly where family arrangements, trusts, businesses, overseas assets or other circumstances are complex.
Deaf Aotearoa does not provide legal advice. We encourage you to seek independent advice and review your Will whenever your life or family circumstances change.
For a straightforward Will, some people prefer the convenience of an online Will-writing platform.
EveryWill is Deaf Aotearoa’s online Will option. Review its information, fees and terms carefully, and seek independent legal advice if you are unsure whether it suits your circumstances.
Please provide the following wording to your solicitor when making or updating your Will.
I give [___% of my estate / the sum of $___ / the following asset: ___] to Deaf Aotearoa Holdings Limited, Charity Registration Number CC39458, for its general charitable purposes. I declare that the receipt of an authorised officer of Deaf Aotearoa Holdings Limited shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my executor(s).
Your Will is personal, and there is no obligation to tell Deaf Aotearoa if you have included a gift. You can also change your mind at any time.
If you do choose to let us know, we would be honoured to thank you, learn what matters to you and keep you connected with the work of Deaf Aotearoa. Knowing about your intentions can also help us plan thoughtfully for the future, while understanding that the value or form of any future gift may change.
Anything you share will be treated sensitively and confidentially. Telling us about your intentions does not create a binding commitment. You can share as much or as little as you are comfortable with and choose how you would like us to stay in touch.
Whether you have already included a gift in your Will or are simply exploring your options, Alanah is here to help. Complete the form and we will respond personally and confidentially.
The information you provide will be treated sensitively and confidentially and used to respond to your enquiry and support your relationship with Deaf Aotearoa. You can change your communication preferences at any time.
A Will allows you to decide how your estate will be distributed, appoint an executor and make your wishes clear. It can provide reassurance for the people you care about and reduce uncertainty at a difficult time.
A gift can continue your support for Deaf people beyond your lifetime. It can ensure future generations can access NZSL, strengthen identity and leadership, receive accessible services and participate fully in Aotearoa.
Yes. We encourage you to look after the people closest to you first. A gift to Deaf Aotearoa can be included after you have considered family, friends and other responsibilities.
No. Gifts in Wills come in many sizes. A modest percentage can make a meaningful contribution when combined with the generosity of others.
Common choices include a percentage of the estate, a specific sum of money, or a clearly identified asset. A solicitor can help you choose an appropriate option.
Many people use a solicitor, especially if their circumstances are complex. For a straightforward Will, some people choose an online platform. Whichever approach you use, make sure it suits your needs and is correctly completed.
A Will can often be updated, but the correct approach depends on your circumstances. Seek legal advice before making changes and never write changes directly onto a signed Will.
You can discuss an area that matters to you with Deaf Aotearoa. Because needs and services change, a flexible gift usually gives Deaf Aotearoa the best ability to respond to future priorities. Speak with Alanah before including a restriction.
Ask your solicitor to use legally approved wording supplied by Deaf Aotearoa and confirm the correct legal entity details. This helps reduce uncertainty and supports your wishes being carried out.
No. Your decision is private. If you choose to tell us, we can thank you, learn what matters to you and keep you connected in the way you prefer.
Yes. Your Will remains yours to change. Telling Deaf Aotearoa about a future gift does not make it binding, and we understand that circumstances and priorities change.
Deaf Aotearoa links to EveryWill for people who may prefer an online pathway. Review their information, fees and terms carefully. An online Will may not suit complex circumstances, so seek independent legal advice if you are unsure.
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