In the face of financial market turbulence, consumer demand for ethical investing not only remains resilient but continues to gain momentum. Consumers not only want to avoid investing in companies that cause harm, they are increasingly also looking to invest in KiwiSaver and investment funds that do good. This seminar explored our recently launched report:"Voices of Aotearoa: Demand for Ethical Investment in New Zealand 2023". This session shined a light on the significant shift towards...

Recent surveys have shown that more than half of Kiwi investors are concerned about misleading claims, exaggeration and greenwash when it comes to investing. With no common standards or measures used by investment providers, it can be difficult to know what to believe. In this seminar, we address these concerns and provide insights on how you can find funds that meet your specific needs and aspirations. We discuss the importance of due diligence and how to identify funds that align wi...

There are a growing number of New Zealand companies that have a business purpose beyond profit maximisation. Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder interests are part of business practices, along with mission statements to make companies a force for good. However, these concepts are far less common in the New Zealand financial sector. Consideration of social and environmental issues are now mainstream for investment providers, but largely as a means to manage financial risk rat...

It is now common practice for responsible investment managers to engage with businesses to improve their environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. However, the involvement of larger investors and collaborative action is now raising the power of engagement to another level. Investors have recently flexed their influence at Exxon’s AGM to replace three directors, persuaded companies to set emissions reduction targets, forced changes in social media companies in the wake of the Chris...