Making Money a Force for Good

Mindful Money Awards celebrates the funds that lead the way in investing in positive social environmental benefits and in climate action. This is a rapidly growing and hugely important part of the investment world, and crucial for our future. This seminar profiles two of this year's winners.  Bill Murphy is the founder and CEO of Purpose Capital, who took home the Best Impact Investment Fund for 2023. The judges were impressed by the clear focus for the Purpose Capital Impact fund, and the sound framework for impact measurement. This includes the important step in including validation from local communities and intended beneficiaries. They welcome the contributions to the success of ventures through advice and support that extends beyond financial investment.Rohan MacMahon is a partner at Climate Venture Capital Fund, who took home the Best Net Zero and Climate Action Investor for 2023. The judges were impressed at the thoroughness that Climate Venture Capital fund used to select investments and measure impact, including the specific objectives for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The fund's contributes significantly to the success of their climate investments and is working to build a stronger climate solutions sector in New Zealand.

Almost all KiwiSaver and investment fund providers claim to be ethical or responsible or sustainable or ‘ESG'. This seminar will unpack what these terms mean and how you can find out the real impact of your investment. It will cover the different approaches to ethical investment and whether, as is often claimed, they are good for financial returns as well as for the people and the planet. Amidst all of the claims and the greenwash, the seminar will help to identify the ethical funds with real credibility.

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 impact investing in New Zealand, the ongoing concerns about greenwashing, and an in-depth understanding of the consumer's perspective.Our panel featured: Jules Riley - As the Senior Growth Manager for Investment Funds at Medical Assurance Society (MAS),Rebecca Styles - An Investigative Writer at Consumer NZ

Despite decades of promises and commitments, the destruction of global forests and other natural systems continues. Damaging impacts include greenhouse gas emissions, loss of biodiversity and violations of the rights of indigenous and forest-dwelling peoples.In this seminar, we delve into the driving forces behind deforestation and explore the role of both global and New Zealand investments in perpetuating this damage, releasing new data on how much our Investments in KiwiSaver and Investment funds are linked to deforestation.   We also discuss the potential risks faced by investors and underscore their responsibilities in fostering a sustainable future. The panel comprised of: Emma Thomson: Forest 500 Lead at Global CanopyAlana Lampitt: Partner at Chapman Tripp - Environment and Resource Management Shannen Barns: Research Analysis at Mindful Money 

Forests play a major role in our economy, society and ecology. This seminar looks at the urgent questions facing forest management including the increase in exotic plantations driven by the Emissions Trading Scheme, the damage from slash and loss of soil during flooding, and the growing interest in native forest regeneration. The panel comprised of: Manu Caddie, entrepreneur and community activist in TairāwhitiMeg Graeme, ecologist and co-Director at Natural SolutionsDr. Christina Hood, a policy expert on climate change and carbon pricing.

Explore the evolving landscape of positive impact within KiwiSaver and Managed funds, where financial returns are integrated with social and environmental progress. Recently, new funds have been introduced, enabling the public to invest in companies promoting positive change in areas such as social housing, renewable energy, and clean technology.Our expert panellists included: • Melissa Yiannoutsos:  Fund Manager at Booster NZ• Simon Pannett: Senior Analyst at Harbour Asset Management

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 with your personal values and investment goals.

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 rather than as an opportunity to make a positive difference. This seminar will examine the reasons and constraints, such as the limitations imposed by fiduciary duty, with examples of financial enterprises that have built their values into their business purpose. Mindful Money's CEO, Barry Coates  moderated a panel discussion with:Qiulae Wong, Aotearoa NZ manager for B-Lab AANZ Nick Stewart, CEO of Stewart Group, a financial advisory firm with B-Corps certificationJules Riley, Senior Growth Manager for Investment Funds at Medical Assurance Society (MAS)A huge thanks to our sponsors:Gold Sponsors: Alphinity, Medical Assurance Society, Mercer, NZGIFSilver Sponsors: Chapman Trip, Booster, Harbour, Trustees Executors 

A core issue for investors is the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The financial risks of this transition were outlined by the research think tank, CarbonAction Tracker in 2011 in their report ‘Unburnable Carbon'.Their projections were hugely influential, including introducing the term ‘stranded assets' to describe the infrastructure that becomes worthless as the fossil fuel sector declines, and highlighting the associated financial risks.Mark Campanale, the founder and CEO of Carbon Tracker Initiative has contributed a video to provide an update on their latest research. The findings will be discussed by our investment panel including David Lewis, founder of Novus Consulting and Jessica Cairns Head of ESG and Sustainability at Alphinity Investment Management.A huge thanks to our sponsors:Gold Sponsors: Alphinity, Medical Assurance Society, Mercer, NZGIFSilver Sponsors: Chapman Trip, Booster, Harbour, Trustees Executors 

Climate change is having a devastating impact on New Zealand and the world, causing costly damage and causing suffering to communities.  As the situation worsens, it's becoming increasingly important to invest in infrastructure that can withstand the extreme weather conditions caused by climate change. This is not only important for the government, but also for investors who want to ensure the long-term sustainability of their investments and contribute to greater resilience.Join us for an engaging panel discussion on how we can mobilise investment to fund climate-resilient infrastructure. We will be joined by Dr. David Hall, who will share insights from his new report on investment in climate resilience. He will also be joined by Professor James Renwick, a leading New Zealand and IPCC climate researcher, who will outline the severe climate risks facing New Zealand households, infrastructure and businesses. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about this critical issue and explore ways investors can take action.

Your KiwiSaver fund could be the largest polluter in your personal carbon footprint. Your KiwiSaver invests mainly in companies, and they have very different impacts on the climate. Our latest research shows that your KiwiSaver could be the largest polluter in your personal carbon footprint, at 2.3 tonnes per year.Join us to learn how to use your money to help the climate (while still making good returns!).  We will be covering the different ways you can use your money to reduce emissions and fund climate solutions.We'll be talking with

Animal testing is a cruel and inhumane practice that results in the suffering and death of hundreds of thousands of animals every year.But did you know that your KiwiSaver could be inadvertently supporting this practice?While New Zealand has banned animal testing for cosmetics, it is still common practice abroad. Many brands, including some of the world's most popular, still test their products on animals, and investigations show animals experiencing huge suffering as a result.New Zealanders financially support foreign companies that test on animals through our investments, with billions of dollars investing in those companies across our KiwiSaver and investment funds.Join us for our next seminar, as we talk through divesting from animal suffering with:- Tara Jackson, Executive Director of the New Zealand Anti-Vivisection Society (NZAVS)- Diana Papadopoulos, Chief Customer Officer at Booster NZ

Are you concerned about whether your money is invested in Russia? Recently there has been intense concern from the public over whether their money is supporting the Kremlin. Mindful Money's analysis showed that hundreds of KiwiSaver and investment funds were still invested in Russian government bonds and companies linked to the Putin regime during the build-up of troops around Ukraine's border. As a result, the value of their investments has plummeted and their reputations have been damaged.  Join us as we dive deeper into investment in Russia, and the response from the finance industry.We talked with:· David Beattie, Principal at Booster NZ· John Berry, CEO at Pathfinder Asset Management Limited· Tanya Gilchrist, Financial Adviser at Decision Makers

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 Christchurch terrorism, and supported climate action through the Transition Pathway initiative.This seminar will look at whether this is ushering in a major change in global corporate governance and responsible investing. We talked with:Doug Bell, Senior Investment Strategist for the New Zealand Superannuation FundIris Davila, Head of BlackRock Investment Stewardship team in AustraliaLaura Hillis, Director of Corporate Engagement for the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC)

Women are renowned for being savvy shoppers. So it may not be surprising that when women do invest, they are often better investors. So, how come Kiwi women are more likely to retire into poverty?For our next seminar, we welcome an incredibly experienced panel to discuss what women-orientated investment looks like, and how we can tackle the barriers that women often face in investing. Kirsty Campbell is a professional director and commercial adviser who has held a wide range of roles in corporate finance, banking, law, and regulation. Victoria Harris is a Portfolio Manager at Devon Funds and Co-Founder of the Curve. She has over 10 years' experience in financial markets across a broad range of markets, including ESG. Facilitated by Bridget Coates, founder of Arc Angels, which connects investors with female entrepreneurs.

Modern slavery refers to different forms of institutional slavery that still occurs in societies around the world, including Aotearoa New Zealand.It deprives around 40 million people worldwide of freedom and human rights and leads to massive suffering, particularly amongst women and girls.This seminar will discuss the response to modern slavery through the work of trade unions, businesses and investors, at a time when there are growing calls for the New Zealand government to legislateWe will be talking with:Anne-Maree O'Connor, Head of Responsible Investment for the New Zealand Superannuation FundKiri Hannifin, General Manager Sustainability for Countdown SupermarketsEdward Miller, Researcher at FIRST Union, and spokesperson for It's Our Future

Modern Slavery and the investment response: Modern slavery refers to different forms of institutional slavery that still occurs in societies around the world, including Aotearoa New Zealand.It deprives around 40 million people worldwide of freedom and human rights and leads to massive suffering, particularly amongst women and girls.This seminar will discuss the response to modern slavery through the work of trade unions, businesses and investors, at a time when there are growing calls for the New Zealand government to legislateWe talked with:Anne-Maree O'Connor, Head of Responsible Investment for the New Zealand Superannuation FundKiri Hannifin, General Manager Sustainability for Countdown SupermarketsEdward Miller, Researcher at FIRST Union, and spokesperson for It's Our Future

It's an attractive proposition – create positive outcomes for the climate, society and the environment, and also earn a financial return. The problem is that there, so far, are few opportunities for investors in Aotearoa. Impact investment is still in its infancy here although it is growing rapidly internationally. Our panel will discuss ways to scale up and grow the impact sector while maintaining the integrity of the term ‘impact investing'. We will look at the need for impact funds to support exciting start-ups and SMEs; the market opportunities; the need for a supportive policy environment; and the role of the public in creating demand for investment opportunities.We have a great panel to discuss these issues, facilitated by Barry Coates, CEO of Mindful MoneyRoy Thompson: co-founder and managing director of New Ground CapitalJo Kelly: CEO of Toitū Tahua, the Centre for Sustainable FinanceRachel Brown: CEO of Sustainable Business Network

The growth of impact investment internationally and in New Zealand has been remarkable. There is a wide range of different types of approaches and funds.This seminar examines two examples of new impact funds being developed for New Zealand investors.The panelists include:Natalie Whitaker, CEO of Toha Foundry, Impact Investment Marketplace, focusing on agricultural regenerationJackson Rowland, Director Ākina Invest and Director of the Impact Enterporise FundSimon Pannett Director, Senior Credit Analyst at Harbour Asset ManagementFacilitated by Barry Coates, CEO of Mindful Money.

New Zealand's largest cities have some of the least affordable housing in the world. Over the past 20 years, home ownership rates have fallen across all age bands, but especially younger people. This seminar looks at the role of KiwiSaver funds and investment funds as a potential source of funding to build social housing. The panel are all involved in exciting developments that are set to ramp up private finance and the provision of social housing.Hope Simonsen, National Housing manager at Emerge Aotearoa, which provides long term social housing and tenancy and property management services for transitional housing for whānau and individuals from Whangarei to Invercargill.James Palmer, Chief Executive and founder of Community Finance and Positive Capital. James was previously Chief Executive of Christian Savings, Aotearoa's only charity that is also a licensed non-bank deposit taker, managing almost $250m.Sam Goldwater, co-Founder and Executive Director of Generate KiwiSaver. Sam has over 20 years of financial markets experience, including fixed income sales and trading for the National Bank of New Zealand Treasury, co-manager of bonds at First NZ Capital, and experience in London.    Shamubeel Eaqub is an economist, author, media commentator and a thought-leading public speaker. He has over a decade of experience as an economist in international banks and consultancies, and is on the boards of charities and commercial firms. He writes books on issues that matter to New Zealand and gives voice to the unheard.

Who is leading the way and what is the state of play?Limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C from pre-industrial levels requires a whole economy transition – every company, bank, insurer, and investor will have to adjust their business models, develop credible plans for the transition and implement them. In this session, you'll learn more about the role of private finance in meeting our collective goals for an equitable and low emissions economy.Speakers included:- Adrian Orr, Governor, Reserve Bank of New Zealand- Matt Whineray, CEO, NZ Super Fund- John Berry, CEO, Pathfinder Asset Management Limited-Karen Silk, General Manager Linc, Strategy, Sustainability & CEO BTNZ - Westpac New Zealand Limited- Bridget Coates, Chair, Toitū Tahua: Centre for Sustainable Finance- David Woods, Deputy Chair, New Zealand Green Investment Finance- Barry Coates, CEO, Mindful Money- Tom Arup of Strategic Programs, Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC)

Your KiwiSaver and investment funds can play a role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is one of the most powerful ways you can reduce your carbon footprint. In this seminar, we will talk about how your fund can be part of the global fossil fuel divestment movement; put pressure on companies to reduce emissions; and invest in climate solutions such as EVs and clean energy. Join our great panel in a short sharp seminar for climate action:Niamh O'Flynn, Programme Director, Greenpeace New Zealand Ronan McCabe, Chief Investment Officer, MercerDean Anderson, CEO, Kernel WealthAbout Mindful Money: We're an ethical investment charity making money a force for good.You can use our website to:

What role does finance have in order to reach the climate goals to prevent an environmental catastrophe?  How can our money help us achieve net-zero emissions by 2050? In the run-up to Climate Summit (COP 26), Barry Coates founder and CEO of Mindful Money welcomes climate and finance experts to talk about finance's role in climate change. In this seminar we hear from:  Hon. James Shaw: Co-leader of the Green Party and Climate Change, Minister Shaw will be attending COP 26. Richard Curtis: Make My Money Matter campaign founder, activist, and filmmaker. Unfortunately, due to timezone differences, Richard Curtis will be pre-recorded.About Mindful Money: We're an ethical investment charity making money a force for good.You can use our website to:

On this week's Podcast Barry Coates, Founder and CEO of Mindful Money welcomes Philip Houghton-Brown – Chief Investment Officer for Mercer Funds, Simon O'Grady – Chief Investment Officer for Kiwi Wealth, and Rebekah Swan – ESG Specialist at AMP Capital. ESG is a term that has been growing in popularity over the past years as more and more companies and funds are becoming aware of the environmental, social, and governance issues facing societies around the world.On this podcast we take a step back and ask the question - what actually is ESG? and how is it being applied in New Zealand?

On this week's podcast Barry Coates, Founder, and CEO of Mindful Money welcomes Dr. Rodger Spiller, one of the pioneers of ethical investing in New Zealand. Dr. Spiller is an authorised financial advisor and is a certified Responsible Investment Adviser who has played a key role in establishing the key ethical business and investment organisations in NZ.In this podcast they discuss the birth of Ethical Investment in New Zealand in the divestment against Apartheid, and how that mirrors what we are seeing today with divestment in fossil fuels.  They also explore what an investor should look for when choosing an ethical advisor and ethical funds. 

This week Barry Coates, Founder, and CEO of Mindful Money welcomes Brian Henry, founder of Amanah Ethical, and Sandra Clark, Operations Manager.Amanah Ethical's mandate is based on Sharia law and investment practice and has seen record-high returns throughout the COVID-19 crisis. They concentrate on investing in the real world of making and doing things that add value to society. In this podcast, they discuss their strong returns performance, how they operate their strict audit standards, vegan KiwiSavers, and their next steps looking into lease to buy houses as a pathway for New Zealanders to being able to own their own home.

Booster has been a leader in providing ethical options for investors in KiwiSaver and investment funds. Their ethical funds have not only done well by avoiding damaging impacts, but they have had good returns and have been resilient in the COVID crisis. Analysis shows that the ethical funds on Mindful Money's website, including Booster, outperformed the average for KiwiSaver funds over the past quarter. So how do they do it?This week, Barry Coates, CEO of Mindful Money, will speak with Booster's Principal, David Beattie. We explore how ethical funds do well, as well as doing good. Link to the presentation referenced in this discussion here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8Oi7PKdDW4

Barry Coates Founder and CEO of Mindful Money talks with Andrew Lance, Chief Investment Officer for Simplicity, a nonprofit KiwiSaver fund. They discuss why they have chosen the passive fund approach, and how that relates to ethical investment as well as how Simplicity managed to influence huge passive funds like Vanguard to offer the ethical exclusions that fit with Simplicity's approach. 

Mindful Money's Barry Coates is joined by John Berry, CEO of Pathfinder Asset Management (whose KiwiSaver was previously referred to as CareSaver). John gives us the history of Pathfinder, takes us through investing in a crisis, when is a good time to switch, and why ethical investment often outperforms traditional funds.