Will Kits in New Zealand

A will kit is a packaged DIY product — usually a printed template with written instructions and signing pages. Kits remain a common starting point for New Zealanders documenting straightforward wishes. This page covers where to buy one, what's inside, what to expect to pay, and the situations where a kit is genuinely enough versus where it falls short.

Where to buy a will kit in NZ

Will kits are sold through several channels in New Zealand, each with a different price point and level of guidance.

• Stationers — Whitcoulls and The Warehouse stock generic legal forms kits that include a basic will template, signing instructions, and a storage envelope. These are the cheapest option but the least tailored.
• Online providers — Several NZ websites sell digital or posted kits with a more polished questionnaire flow, sample wording, and follow-up email support.
• Lawyer-supplied kits — A small number of NZ law firms supply their own branded kits at a higher price point, often with a phone or email consultation included to check the completed draft.
• Public Trust — Public Trust does not sell a packaged kit but offers an online will service and free storage of the signed original.

Whatever source you choose, confirm the kit refers to the Wills Act 2007. Older kits drafted under the Wills Act 1837 use outdated formalities and should not be used.

What's in a typical NZ will kit

A standard kit usually contains the following elements:

• The will template. A printed form with blank fields for the will-maker's name, executor, beneficiaries, and specific gifts.
• Instructions. A short guide explaining how to complete the form and the witnessing process.
• Witnessing notes. A reminder that two adult witnesses must be present at the same time and that beneficiaries (and their spouses) cannot witness.
• Signing pages. Pre-formatted pages with signature blocks for the will-maker and both witnesses.
• A storage envelope. A heavy-duty envelope to keep the signed original in a safe place.
• Optional: a codicil form. A short amendment form for minor changes after the will is signed.

Higher-end kits may also include a checklist for executors, a separate funeral wishes form, and a guide to choosing guardians for minor children.

Will kit costs in NZ

Pricing varies by channel. Treat the figures below as illustrative ranges and confirm current pricing before buying.

• Stationery kits ($20-$50). Off-the-shelf legal forms from Whitcoulls, The Warehouse, or similar. Lowest cost, lowest support.
• Online kits ($50-$150). NZ-specific online providers with a guided questionnaire, sample wording, and email support.
• Lawyer-supplied kits ($150-$300). Branded kits from a law firm, often including a short consultation or document review.
• Lawyer-drafted will (from ~$450). Fully tailored drafting, capacity assessment, witnessing arrangements, and storage of the original. This is the benchmark to compare against.

Will kit vs free template vs lawyer-drafted

5 common mistakes when using a will kit

1. Witnesses signing separately. The Wills Act 2007 requires both witnesses to be present together when you sign and when they sign. Posting the form around for signatures invalidates the execution.
2. Beneficiary acted as witness. Section 13 voids any gift to a witness or their spouse. Couples often make this mistake by asking adult children to witness.
3. Filling in the form in pencil or with later edits. Use pen, do not alter the document after signing, and do not initial changes after the witnessing ceremony — those changes generally have no effect.
4. Leaving the residuary clause blank. If you list specific gifts but do not say who gets "everything else", the residue is distributed under intestacy rules — which may not reflect your wishes.
5. Stapling, unstapling, or rearranging pages. Removed staple holes or page substitution invite challenges to the integrity of the will. Initial every page in the margin and leave the document intact.

When a will kit is enough

A kit is a reasonable choice if all of the following are true:

• Your assets are limited to the family home, KiwiSaver, a bank account or two, and personal effects
• You want to leave everything to one person (typically your spouse or partner), and then to your children equally
• You have a clear single executor in mind plus a back-up
• You have no business interests, farm, or overseas property
• You have no testamentary trust requirement
• You are confident the will will not be challenged
• You are willing to organise two qualifying witnesses to be present at the same signing

When you should skip the kit

The cost difference between a kit and a lawyer-drafted will is modest compared with the cost of getting it wrong. Skip the kit if any of the following apply:

• Blended family. Providing for a current partner alongside children from a prior relationship needs life-interest trusts or contracting out — kits cannot do this.
• Business owner. Company shares, partnership interests, or sole-trader assets need to be coordinated with shareholder agreements and buy-sell clauses.
• Overseas assets. Property or accounts in another country may need a separate will in that jurisdiction.
• Testamentary trust. Any in-will trust needs precise trustee powers, distribution rules, and Trusts Act 2019 compliance.
• Vulnerable beneficiary. A dependant with a disability, addiction, or bankruptcy history usually needs a structured trust rather than an outright gift.
• Anticipated challenge. If you are deliberately excluding a spouse, child, or de facto partner, a lawyer can prepare a statement of reasons to reduce Family Protection Act risk.
• Older or unwell will-maker. A lawyer routinely assesses testamentary capacity at the time of instructions, which is critical evidence if the will is later challenged.

Compare your options

Read our companion guides on free will templates and online will services before deciding which DIY route fits your situation — or talk to a NZ wills lawyer using the form on this page.