Paul Wolffenbuttel, HC Partners

When local farmer and former valuer Dermott O’Sullivan decided to support young people entering land-based careers, he began with the idea of a scholarship for a South Canterbury student heading to Lincoln University. Before long, he wanted something more lasting: a permanent endowment with the Aoraki Foundation that would fund the scholarship every year, forever.

That’s when Dermott’s accountant, Paul Wolffenbuttel of HC Partners, stepped in.

Paul explained that while donors can claim a 33.3% tax credit on gifts to registered charities, the credit can’t exceed the donor’s taxable income for that year. A single lump-sum gift could leave part of it unclaimed. Paul recommended that Dermott spread his contributions over several years instead. That way Dermott could claim the full credit each year and put more into the fund overall.

Paul recommended that Dermott be given the discretion to determine how much contribution he would like to make on an annual basis, instead of making a one-off lump sum donation. This simple shift meant Dermott could claim the full rebate each year, effectively stretching his giving power and allowing him to contribute more overall to the long‑term fund.

Dermott says the advice was invaluable.
“It was a no‑brainer once Paul explained it. By spreading the contributions out, I could give more and make the scholarship stronger. It’s a great example of how getting your tax back actually helps you give more.”

The O’Sullivan Family Scholarship has now been awarded twice. Most recently, Geraldine High School student Sophie Bock received $6,000 to study Property and Land Management at Lincoln.

Thank you, Paul, for advice that helped a generous client give more effiecnetly.