Let nature be your beneficiary. By making a bequest to
the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society you will be supporting effective
protection for New Zealand’s unique plants, animals and natural areas.
Nature needs your support
The Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society relies on membership subscriptions,
donations and bequests for funding. Bequests are of substantial help to the
Society. Any sum, large or small, or gift of property or assets will assist
staff and branch volunteers to uphold your concerns for New Zealand’s natural
heritage. Forest and Bird has been protecting our natural treasures for over
70 years, especially threatened native wildlife, forests, wetlands, high country
and marine habitats. A bequest from you will help us continue this important
work, on your behalf, and for future generations.
How your bequest can help save nature's treasures
It is important to have a will. Without one, there is no record of your wish
to leave bequests to family, friends, or charitable organisations.
It is better to leave your bequest for "general purposes" rather than "specific
purposes". This allows Forest and Bird to respond to the changing conservation
demands of the day and utilise the bequest in the best way. It would be a pity
if the Society was in need of funds for a particular conservation project, but
could not gain access to funds set aside for limited or specific purposes. If,
however, you have a specific project you wish to support, you can mark your
bequest accordingly.
Because there can be changes in your personal circumstances, in the nature and
value of your property, in the law, and in your own ideas and values - it is
a good idea to review your will regularly.
There is no tax duty payable on bequests given to Forest and Bird.
To support Forest and Bird in your will you should clearly state that you wish
to leave a bequest to the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand,
for its general purposes.
STANDARD WORDING WHICH YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL
Gift for general purposes
"I give to Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Incorporated
a ______________ share of my Estate (or the sum of $________) for its general
purposes. A receipt given on behalf of the Society will be a complete discharge
to my trustees for the gift."
Gift for specific purposes
"I give to Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Incorporated
a ______ share of my Estate (or the sum of $______) to be used for ....................
Should the Society be unable to use the money for that purpose I direct the
Society to use the funds for the general purposes of the Society. A receipt
given on behalf of the Society will be a complete discharge to my trustees for
the gift."
You can specify one of the following options
A Specified Sum
This is a very common form of bequest. However, it is recommended that you review
your will regularly, to safeguard against inflation. Otherwise, the real value
of the gift may prove, by the time it is paid, to be worth less than you originally
intended.
A Percentage Bequest
This allows for a specific proportion of your estate to be given to the Society.
It ensures the gift is inflation proof, especially if your estate increases
in value.
A Residuary Bequest
You may wish to leave to Forest and Bird the remainder of your estate after
other specified gifts have been deducted. This allows you to make provision
for relatives and friends, then leave the remainder or a percentage of it to
the Society.
Gifts of Assets
Gifts of a home, farm, business property, or stocks and shares, allow the Society
to retain them as a capital investment or sell them to raise funds.
Gifts of Natural Areas
If you wish to bequeath a natural area, such as a native forest or wetland,
it is preferable to discuss this with Forest and Bird in advance. While the
Society is trustee of a number of nature reserves, upkeep can be a problem.
To help the Society maintain a reserve, provision should be made under your
will for a fund, payable to the Society, for the maintenance of the property.
Your legal adviser, the Department of Conservation, or the QE II National Trust
can also advise you on ways of protecting privately owned natural areas during
your lifetime, through covenants or the creation of protected private land agreements.
For further information please contact:
The General Manager
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society
PO Box 631, Wellington, New Zealand
Phone +64-4-385-7374
Fax +64-4 385-7373 Email
the General Manager
