Looking for statement of wishes examples in NZ? This guide shows realistic wording ideas and section-by-section examples you can adapt.
Your Statement of Wishes is stored with your Will to communicate your wishes to your Executors and the ones you love.
What is a Statement of Wishes in NZ?
What special wishes would you want your loved ones to carry out when you pass? For some, the answer comes easily - for example, being cremated and having their ashes scattered in the surf at Piha Beach.
Others haven't given it much thought yet, or, like most of us, don't realise what kinds of personal wishes can sit alongside a Will.
A Statement of Wishes captures the things that are deeply important to you and helps shape the legacy you leave behind. A Will is more than dividing assets - it's about honouring meaning and preserving what truly matters.
Your wishes might include deeply personal matters - such as burial or cremation preferences, organ donation, or care for a much-loved pet - as well as practical instructions like managing social-media accounts, maintaining your home, or what to do with all those boxes full of personal items you have stored in the garage.
Creating your wishes can be a surprisingly meaningful exercise, because it brings you face-to-face with the important things in your life. The very act of thinking them through and writing them down can give you peace of mind - knowing that you have taken care of those loose ends and ensuring that nothing is overlooked simply because it wasn't directly stated or spelled out.
A Statement of Wishes can ensure your beloved pet is cared for, that someone may start a new life thanks to your organ donation, or simply transform a traditional funeral into a gathering that reflects your style and helps people remember you for who you really are.
All of these wishes - the little details that honour your story and the life you've lived - are made possible by a Statement of Wishes that sits alongside your Will.
A Statement of Wishes records these preferences clearly and privately, letting your Executors and loved ones know exactly what you want, so they can respect your values and individuality.
Below are the sections included in the Will Kit Generator Statement of Wishes, along with examples to help you start thinking about your own.
Burial or Cremation
Choose burial or cremation, and add notes such as music, resting place, or ash-scattering location.
Examples:
- I prefer cremation. Scatter my ashes at Piha Beach near Lion Rock, weather permitting.
- Burial at Waikumete Cemetery. If possible, a simple graveside service with acoustic guitar.
- If cremated, keep a small portion of ashes with Mum and scatter the rest at Piha.
- If circumstances change, I leave the final decision to my family.
Digital Accounts
Do not include passwords. Point to a secure list and explain what should happen to each profile.
Examples:
- My digital asset list (no passwords) is stored in LastPass/1Password. Access details are with my Executor.
- Memorialise my Facebook profile; close my X (Twitter) account. Download Google Photos family albums first.
- Archive important emails and family photos, then close cloud storage and cancel paid subscriptions.
- Update or remove any public profiles that could be misused; keep LinkedIn as a memorial for 3 months.
More Examples
Funeral Service
Record your preference and any limits or exceptions.
Examples:
- Keep the service simple and private with immediate family only.
- Venue: local community hall. Music: Leonard Cohen - Anthem; Dave Dobbyn - Welcome Home.
- Dress code: smart-casual; flowers optional; donations to SPCA appreciated.
- Please livestream or record the service for relatives who cannot attend.
Pet Care
Name a caregiver and any care notes. Consider setting aside funds in your Will.
Examples:
- Primary carer: my sister Jane Smith. Vet: Grey Lynn Vets (09 555 0123). Diet: Black Hawk kibble, 2 cups daily.
- Set aside a reasonable amount for food, insurance, and routine vet care for 12 months.
- If Jane is unavailable, my Executors may choose a suitable home prioritising family, then friends.
- My dog is microchipped; ensure registration is transferred and council fees are up to date.
Household Requests
Short, practical requests that help your Executors and family.
Examples:
- Redirect mail for 3 months and settle final power, internet, and rates bills.
- Donate my tools to the local Men's Shed; offer specialty tools to nephews first.
- Engage an arborist to trim the back tree to maintain the neighbour's view.
- Back up family photos from the home computer to an external drive for the family.
Personal Message
A short note of love, thanks, or guidance.
Examples:
- Thank you for being my family. Please look after one another and take your time with decisions.
- Prioritise peace and fairness over things. I trust your judgment.
- Celebrate the good memories, and do something kind in my name when you can.
- (Or leave a much longer personal message to one or more people...)
Included with Will Kit Generator
Some providers charge extra for a Statement of Wishes or add hidden costs. Will Kit Generator includes a Statement of Wishes as part of your Will.