Making Money a Force for Good

 Modern slavery isn't just happening overseas, it's happening in New Zealand. Mindful Money Co-CEO Barry Coates sits down with Pearl Valor, Gloriavale survivor, and Brian Henry, founder of Always-Ethical Ltd (Manager of AE KiwiSaver Plan) and leading barrister, to discuss modern slavery, investment accountability, and what Kiwis can do about it. Pearl shares her lived experience of moder...

Join us as we introduce you to Brian from Always-Ethical, in what promises to be an enlightening conversation about the intersection of values and investing. This episode offers a rare opportunity for a deep dive into the why and how of Always-Ethical investing. We'll explore their unwavering mandate, examine their thorough practices, and discuss their commitment to operating transparency tha...

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 Fun...

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...

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 Eth...

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 pe...

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 activ...

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 Yiannou...

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 aspir...

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...

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 sect...

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 th...

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 goo...

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 prod...

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....

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 s...

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 C...

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 in...

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...

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 maintain...

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 regeneration Jackson Rowland,...

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 u...

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 c...

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 grea...

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...