Aaron Foley’s journey has come full circle – from starting at Halliwells in Hāwera during his school years to establishing a successful commercial law practice in Auckland. In 2023, he returned to South Taranaki, acquiring Halliwells and joining the Taranaki Foundation Board. Now, he’s using his expertise to give back to the community he grew up in.

Insights into Charitable Giving Conversations

We’ve all daydreamed about lottery wins. But whether your resources are vast or modest, community foundations like the Taranaki Foundation offer a practical way to create lasting impact. Aaron believes their structured approach ensures your generosity makes a real difference.

“I love the model because funds are invested to grow forever – the money never stops working, and it all stays in the community,” he says.

“A powerful strategy for clients is to establish a fund through the Taranaki Foundation, specifying their charitable preferences. This fund can be integrated into legal documents, allowing adjustments over time to reflect evolving charitable priorities.

Initiating Charitable Conversations

Discussing charitable giving with clients starts with understanding their values beyond financial wealth. Aaron integrates these conversations into broader estate planning discussions, highlighting the potential for clients to leave a meaningful legacy for their community.

“For many clients, these discussions are deeply rewarding, as they are passionate about giving back.”

 Q: What do you find resonates most with your clients?

He finds that clients are often enthusiastic about leaving a lasting impact on causes dear to them. They value the opportunity to plan their charitable contributions strategically, ensuring their giving creates a meaningful and lasting impact.

“Charitable giving is an important part of estate planning discussions. While high-profile figures often make headlines with bold philanthropic gifts, many clients are unaware they too can leave a significant legacy to support causes they deeply care about.”

Q: Anything else you would like to share?

Aaron emphasises the importance of regularly reviewing and updating charitable giving plans to adapt to changing circumstances or priorities.

“Clients appreciate giving locally, knowing the funds stay in their community, and the longevity of the donation appeals too. Knowing that the funds keep growing long after you’ve gone to help future generations thrive makes them feel like they’re making a meaningful contribution to the place they love.”