The Great Wealth Transfer
2026 Advisors Breakfast Explores the Opportunity of the Great Wealth Transfer
More than 75 of South Canterbury's leading professional advisors gathered at Fraser Park on the first morning of Spring for the Aoraki Foundation's annual Advisors Breakfast, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion about one of the biggest opportunities facing our region over the coming decades.
The event brought together lawyers, accountants, financial advisors, bankers, insurance professionals and real estate specialists to explore the implications of what has become known as the "Great Wealth Transfer" – the significant movement of wealth expected to occur across New Zealand over the next 25 years through inheritances, business sales, farm succession, property transfers and estate planning.
Hosted by the Aoraki Foundation and supported by Craigs Investment Partners, the breakfast featured a panel discussion with Nigel Davenport, Chief Executive of Venture Timaru; Michelle Pye, Director of the Pye Group and Timaru District Councillor; Arron Perriam, Director of Philanthropy and Intergenerational Wealth at Craigs Investment Partners; and Emily Coldicott, Associate at Gresson Dorman.
The conversation explored not only the practical realities of wealth transfer, but also the opportunity it presents for communities such as South Canterbury.
A recurring theme throughout the morning was that discussions around succession are rarely just about money. Instead, they are often centred on family, values, responsibility and legacy.
One of the most compelling insights came from Emily Coldicott, who works closely with families on trusts, succession planning and estate matters. She reflected that when clients choose to leave money to charitable causes, it is an intensely personal decision. Many people want to make a difference close to home and focus their giving on the communities and places that have shaped their lives.
Emily also challenged attendees to think beyond the financial aspects of inheritance.
"It's not simply a transfer of assets, it is a transfer of opportunity."
That sentiment captured the essence of the morning's discussion.
The advisors in the room play an important role in helping families navigate some of life's biggest decisions. Often they are present when conversations are taking place about businesses, farms, investments, property and estates. The breakfast highlighted the unique position advisors hold to help clients consider not only who they are leaving assets to, but also the legacy they wish to leave behind for their community.
Aoraki Foundation Chief Executive Richard Spackman said the event was ultimately about exploring possibilities rather than prescribing outcomes.
"South Canterbury has always benefited from people who choose to give back. Whether it's supporting a local charity, investing in a community project, or leaving a gift in a will, these acts of generosity help shape the future of our region. The Great Wealth Transfer presents an opportunity to have conversations about legacy alongside succession."
As September marks Wills Month, the timing of the event was particularly significant. Advisors were encouraged to help clients think about not only the distribution of their assets, but also the impact they want those assets to have in the future.
The strong turnout demonstrated the growing interest in these conversations across the professional services sector. More importantly, it highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring that the wealth created in South Canterbury can continue benefiting the people, causes and communities that make this region such a special place to live.
As the panel discussion made clear, the Great Wealth Transfer is about far more than money. It is an opportunity to shape the future of South Canterbury for generations to come.