JBWere Aotearoa Bequest Report 2025
Earlier this year in February, JBWere New Zealand released "The Bequest Report: Reshaping Aotearoa New Zealand by creating a legacy that goes beyond asset wealth."
This report provides an in-depth look at the trends, behaviours and opportunities around charitable bequesting in New Zealand and for the first time quantifies and puts into perspective the large inter-generational wealth transfer taking place through inheritances over the next 25 years.
Over the next 25 years, an estimated $1.6 trillion is set to be passed down from deceased estates. While most inheritances currently go to family, only 1.3% is directed towards charities—far below global benchmarks. Based on what is happening globally, this trend is expected to change. Charitable bequests in New Zealand are predicted to increase in annual levels from a current $320 million into over $1 billion in 20 years as our population ages.
Why Bequests?
Charitable bequests are mostly unrestricted in their use and have a return on investment around six times the average for all fundraising, meaning within the total income mix of for-purpose organisations, they are the most valuable source of income by quite a margin. Also, bequesting is not just for the wealthy, any amount can make a big difference to the causes Kiwis care most about.
“We have an important opportunity to encourage discussions to normalise giving-in-wills, ensuring that future generations and local communities benefit from a culture of giving that goes beyond the present,” - JBWere’s Head of Philanthropic Services, John Morrow.
By leaving a bequest in your will, you can make a lasting impact on the causes that matter to you, ensuring a stronger, more resilient future for our communities.
Read the full report by clicking below.
