Designing New Zealand's first bequest report, built to carry the weight of legacy capital decisions
Client: JBWere
Sector: Private wealth, philanthropy.
Year: 2024.
Deliverable: Bequest Report (NZ).
Scope: First-of-category publication, narrative hierarchy and visual standards.
THE SITUATION
JBWere is one of New Zealand's most respected private wealth and advisory firms, with a long history of supporting high-net-worth clients through complex intergenerational wealth decisions. When the firm identified the need to formalise its approach to bequest and legacy communications, there was no existing model in the New Zealand market to draw from.
As New Zealand's first Bequest Report, the document had no template to follow. The structural framework Ästhetik established now functions as the reference for any firm producing similar work in the wealth and philanthropy sector.
THE ENGAGEMENT
Ästhetik partnered with JBWere to design and build New Zealand's first bequest report from the ground up. The work began with architecture, establishing the narrative hierarchy, information sequencing and language standard that would govern the publication. With sensitive subject matter across multiple contributor voices, language governance was critical: ensuring consistent tone, register and terminology regardless of which voice was speaking in a given section.
From that foundation the visual system was built. One that carried institutional weight without cold formality, and that positioned legacy giving as a considered, dignified expression of values rather than a transactional document.
The outcome was a repeatable reporting framework JBWere could return to each cycle without rebuilding from scratch.
THE OUTCOME
New Zealand's first bequest report. A publication that positions JBWere as a considered authority in values-driven inheritance, supporting thoughtful client decisions while strengthening long-term trust across the firm's most significant relationships.
The framework is repeatable. The standard is set. The publication that required a year to establish now runs to a governed cycle.
5/5
Thank you Rosh for delivering a beautifully designed Bequest Report. It was a pleasure for my team and I to work with you.
John Morrow
5 / 5
At Jarden Wealth, we have worked with Asthetik Studio for over 4 years. We have had such a great experience working with Rosh, who has been instrumental in producing our flagship Investment Outlook, and redesigning our client communications. Rosh has been outstanding in suggesting and implementing improvements that has continually lifted brand standards over the years.
Tim Agar
5 / 5
Asthetik has served as a key strategic partner for the past three years. Their service has demonstrably enhanced our workflow by providing a consistent and high-calibre design resource. Our collaboration ensures consistent brand messaging across all reporting materials — their design proficiency safeguards our brand image and integrity.
Neal Morshead
5 / 5
I have huge respect for Rosh Java and her team. I’ve used her and the team for many of my enterprise clients previously - and they always produced the most polished design elements. Suffice to say I was guided by experts who were genuinely in tune with my vision from day one. Bravo Rosh Java and Ästhetik Studio.
A.J Hazelhurst
