It is important to have documents, policies and relevant information up to date and stored together, in a safe place.

In times of stress, your loved ones and next of kin would find it helpful if they knew where to find these documents e.g. in the safe, with the lawyer etc.

• Copy of your Will

• Copy of the Power of Attorney

• Copy of your Birth and Marriage/Civil Union Certificate

• Advanced care plan

• Pre-arranged funeral arrangements

• List of people/organisations and their contact details who should be contacted, including executor/s and/or trustees

• Bank account details including online accounts – consider adding a joint account holder

• Relevant passwords including online media e.g. facebook

• Insurance and investment policies, trusts

• Property and asset list

• Kiwi Saver provider, superannuation schemes

• Any liabilities• Utilities – providers and contact details e.g. Contact Energy, SparkCheck documents on an annual basis to ensure all details are up to date and correctly reflect your intentions.

Below are some New Zealand websites that give in-depth information on the above topics.

https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/death-and-bereavement

https://endoflife.services.govt.nz/welcome

https://bankomb.org.nz/guides-and-cases/quick-guides/bank-accounts/deceased-customers-accounts/

https://www.cab.org.nz/article/KB00000593

Call us if you’d to talk about your situation:03 315 3505 or email: servicemanager@bsnc.org.nz

We’re on Facebook and www.bsnc.org.nz

Our office is in the War Memorial Hall, 1 Albert Street, Rangiora.