Legacy Planning
You want to live a great life — but make sure your legacy is protected. With people living longer, it is harder to know what you will end up leaving to those you love. We are here to solve those challenges so you can focus on now.
Legacy Planning
Balancing a great life today with the legacy you want to leave tomorrow
Planning for your legacy can be challenging. We all think we have time to make those plans — until we run out of time. Our job is to make sure that never happens to you.
Introduction
With people living longer than ever before, legacy planning has never been more complex or more important. How do you balance enjoying your retirement with ensuring there is something meaningful left for the people and causes you care about?
The markets are shifting and governments are changing legislation on a regular basis. Are you and your loved ones protected if the industry you’re investing in changes quickly? With over 30 years’ experience, we know all the ins and outs of the game — and our clients are invested in over 45 countries.
What's Included
Legacy planning is most effective when it starts early. Many of our clients come to us with more than enough to live well — but no clear structure for what happens to their assets when they are no longer here to manage them.
We help you build that structure — so you can focus on living your life, confident that your wishes are documented, your loved ones are provided for, and your assets are properly protected.
Wills and estate structure review
We make sure the right legal structures are in place so that if you lose capacity, your financial affairs can be managed according to your wishes without costly court involvement.
Intergenerational wealth transfer strategies
We help you think through how and when to transfer wealth to the next generation in a way that is tax-efficient, fair, and aligned with your values — whether through gifting, trusts, or structured investment accounts.
Enduring powers of attorney and incapacity planning
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a crucial legal document in New Zealand that allows you to appoint someone to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so due to illness, injury, or incapacity. We encourage our clients to safeguard their future and have an EPA in place.
Coordination with your legal and tax advisers
Legacy planning touches law, tax, and finance simultaneously. We coordinate with your solicitor and accountant to make sure every aspect of your plan works together without gaps or contradictions.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Leaving a legacy that lasts for generations
Countries our clients are invested across — bringing global reach to deeply personal financial goals.
We help you maximise your returns and make your money work hard for you so that you can enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle — and leave behind exactly what you intend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about legacy planning that isn’t answered here? We’re happy to help — get in touch.
How do you help balance enjoying retirement now with leaving a legacy later?
We look at the full picture — your assets, your income needs, your life expectancy, and your wishes for the future. We then build a strategy that funds the life you want today while protecting what you want to leave behind. You should not have to choose between the two.
Who handles my financial wishes when I am no longer here?
Part of our legacy planning work involves making sure the right structures are in place so your wishes are clearly documented and legally sound. We work alongside your solicitor and other advisers to ensure everything is properly set up before it is ever needed.
What is the difference between legacy planning and estate planning?
Estate planning is primarily about the legal transfer of assets after death — wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Legacy planning is broader: it considers how you build, protect, and ultimately pass on wealth over your lifetime. We help with both, and ensure the two work together seamlessly.
Can you help if I have assets in property as well as investments?
Yes. Many of our clients hold a mix of property and investment assets. We help you understand how both fit into your overall legacy plan, including considerations around liquidity, tax, and timing of any transfers.
What happens to my investments if I lose capacity to manage them?
This is one of the most important questions in legacy planning. We help ensure enduring powers of attorney are in place and that your investment strategy is structured so it can continue to be managed on your behalf if needed.
Is it too early to start legacy planning?
No. The earlier you start, the more options you have. Legacy planning is not just for the elderly — it is for anyone who has built assets and wants to make sure they end up in the right hands.
What qualifications and experience do you have?
John Milner has worked for over 30 years in the investment field. His qualifications include: Post Graduate Diploma in Business Studies (Personal Financial Planning), Certified Financial Planner (CFP™), Certified Life Underwriter (CLU), Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®), and Certificate in Financial Services Level 5.
Related financial advice and wealth management services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of financial planning needs.
Estate Planning
Ensure your assets are properly structured, legally protected, and pass to the right people at the right time without unnecessary cost or complication.
Retirement Income Strategy
Turn your savings into a reliable income stream that funds your retirement lifestyle and leaves room to grow your legacy alongside it.
Retirement Success
Build a retirement income plan that ensures you never have to choose between enjoying life now and protecting the future.