Project Tongariro was founded as a living legacy to honour those who lost their lives in the 1982 helicopter accident. Their dedication to conservation laid the foundation for the work we continue today, but the job is far from done. Our environment faces ongoing challenges, and without sustained financial support, we risk losing the progress we’ve made so far.
To truly protect and restore the extraordinary natural heritage of the Central Plateau, we need a long-term, reliable source of funding. A strong and productive legacy fund will provide the capacity and capability to respond to conservation challenges, expand our impact, and ensure the protection of Tongariro National Park and its surrounds for generations to come. Unlike short-term grants, which often dictate specific projects, a dedicated investment fund gives us the flexibility to focus on the most critical environmental priorities - now and in the future.
Why Should You Contribute?
Make a lasting impact that extends beyond your lifetime.
The landscapes of the Central Plateau hold deep meaning for so many - whether you’ve hiked its trails, admired its beauty, or worked to protect it. By leaving a gift in your Will to Project Tongariro, you can create a lasting legacy that helps secure the future of conservation in the Central Plateau. Your generosity will build upon the work of those who came before us, ensuring that the native flora and fauna, along with the lakes, rivers, and wetlands that sustain them, continue to thrive. With your support, we can protect, restore, and connect people to nature, keeping this treasured landscape flourishing for generations to come.
“Leaving a gift in my Will to the Project Tongariro Legacy Fund held by Geyser means that the fantastic work this largely voluntary organisation does will continue long into the future.” – Shirley Potter, Tūrangi
Types of Gifts
There are two main ways to leave a lasting legacy for conservation through Project Tongariro: you can invest in perpetuity through the Project Tongariro Legacy Fund, or alternatively make a direct gift to Project Tongariro.
Project Tongariro Legacy Fund – Geyser Community Foundation
Invest your gift in perpetuity through the Project Tongariro Legacy Fund held by the Geyser Community Foundation. The Project Tongariro Legacy Fund’s earnings will either be reinvested annually or used to support our core operating costs. This ensures your legacy has a lasting impact, providing ongoing financial stability for our conservation work. Visit geysercf.org.nz/give/donate-to-the-tongariro-memorial-fund/ to learn more or contact info@geysercf.org.nz
Direct to Project Tongariro
Your gift can be paid directly to Project Tongariro, allowing our Executive Committee to allocate funds where they are needed most. This may include investing in a commercial investment fund or contributing to the Project Tongariro Legacy Fund, depending on our current priorities.
Ways to Give
Residue
A residual gift is what remains of your estate after all specific gifts, debts, taxes, and administration costs have been distributed. Leaving a residual gift to Project Tongariro ensures your legacy is preserved after other commitments have been met.
Specified Sum or Assets
You may choose to leave a specific sum of money, real estate, shares, bonds, or other valuable items to Project Tongariro. A specified gift allows you to set aside a particular portion of your estate for conservation.
How to write your Will
Thank you for considering including a gift in your Will to Project Tongariro. The first step is to contact your solicitor, they can guide you through the process and ensure your intentions are realised after taking care of your loved ones.
We always recommend you seek advice from a qualified legal professional when writing your Will. Small mistakes in wording can lead to confusion and delays in fulfilling your wishes. When leaving a gift in your Will to Project Tongariro Incorporated, please include our full legal name, Tongariro Natural History Society, along with our Registered Charity Number CC10701, to clearly communicate your intentions.
I give to Tongariro Natural History Society Incorporated (hereinafter called Project Tongariro), registered charity number CC10701 the sum of $_________ (or a percentage, or the residue of my Estate) for its general purposes, and a receipt signed by a person authorised by the governing body of Project Tongariro shall be a good and sufficient discharge to my executors.
Contact Us
If you would like more information on leaving a gift in your Will to Project Tongariro or would like to discuss the different options available, please get in touch by emailing legacy@tongariro.org.nz or calling 027 628 8009
Create your will online for free
To make the process of including a gift in your will as straightforward as possible, we’ve partnered with a trusted online will service, Gathered Here, to offer free online wills for our supporters. Gathered Here’s platform allows you to create a simple will online quickly and easily, and you can update it at any time at no additional cost.
