Latest news with #BarryCoates
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
The New Zealand money invested in weapons
Nearly a billion dollars of Kiwis' money is being invested in weapons companies, according to new research by an ethical investment charity. Mindful Money found a 40 percent increase in the amount KiwiSaver funds in particular, have put into companies making weapons - including those supplying the conflict in Gaza and Ukraine. The growth has reflected a broader global increase in the defence industry driven by these major conflicts, as well as internal conflicts and regional tensions. Mindful Money's Barry Coates joins Susie to discuss the trend. To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Huge Increase In Weapons In Your KiwiSaver
Over $900 million of the savings of New Zealand investors is invested in weapons companies, including those supplying the conflict in Gaza: New research shows KiwiSaver Investment in weapons companies has surged by 40.9% to $392.4 million Managed fund investments also grew to reach $509.2 million by March 2025 There is increasing New Zealand investment in companies supplying the Gaza conflict: $71.9 million of KiwiSaver and retail funds invested in weapons companies $179.9 million invested in two other non-weapons companies Annual survey data shows that 80% of Kiwis want to avoid investing in weapons Comprehensive new analysis by charity Mindful Money reveals New Zealand KiwiSaver funds have dramatically increased their investment in weapons companies, with total weapons investments reaching $392.4 million – a staggering 40.9% increase from the previous year. The research exposes how KiwiSaver providers are seeking short term profits from war. A contributor to the increase was a surge in sales of military weapons used in the bombardment of Gaza. New Zealand investment in the production of weapons used in Gaza, through KiwiSaver and retail investment funds, totalled $71.9 million a rise of 18.9% over the year to end March 2025. The latest annual survey revealed that 80% of New Zealand investors want to avoid investing in weapons. But the surge in weapons investment by KiwiSaver and investment funds shows the growing misalignment with the values of KiwiSaver investors during some of the world's deadliest conflicts since World War II. Barry Coates, Mindful Money Founder and CEO commented: 'There has been a huge rise in weapons investment by New Zealanders. The chase for higher returns means that Kiwis' hard-earned savings are being used to invest in companies whose weapons have resulted in the devastation of Gaza.' Gaza Conflict Connections Raise Ethical Concerns Few New Zealanders realise there is a direct connection between their savings and companies supplying weapons to the Gaza conflict. In addition to New Zealand's retail investment in weapons companies, there has been a major increase in New Zealand investment in non-weapons companies supporting operations in Gaza, such as Caterpillar and Amphenol. Investment in those two companies alone totalled $189 million, up 39% over the year to end March 2025. Few KiwiSaver fund providers tell their customers that their hard-earned savings are being invested in companies complicit in a brutal conflict that has led to mass killing and starvation of Gaza's people. So far the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 2,000 Israelis and 63,000 Palestinians according to official figures, although this does not include many others missing under rubble or those who have died from starvation. Barry Coates said: 'We can all see evidence of Palestinians being killed trying to get food for their starving children. The companies supporting the weapons, ammunition, bulldozers and technology need to be held to account for their actions. They should not be benefiting from our investment.' Global Weapons Industry Boom Drives Investment Returns The surge in New Zealand weapons investments reflects a broader global boom in the defence industry driven by multiple major conflicts. The S&P Aerospace & Defence Industry has seen extraordinary growth with a 16.5% increase in the past year alone and a staggering 307% growth over the past decade. This growth has been accelerated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, as well as internal conflicts within countries and regional tensions worldwide. Weapons companies have recorded higher short term profits, leading to huge investment increases from KiwiSaver and investment providers chasing higher returns. The Values Gap: 80% Opposition vs Growing Investment The findings reveal a stark disconnect between New Zealanders' stated values and where their retirement savings are actually invested. Research shows that 80% of New Zealanders want to avoid investing in weapons companies through their KiwiSaver or investment funds. Yet investments in this sector continue to surge. This gap highlights a fundamental challenge in the KiwiSaver system. Many New Zealanders may be unknowingly funding companies involved in conflicts, through their retirement savings, even though they personally oppose that use of their funds. Few if any KiwiSaver providers have asked their customers if they agree to more of their savings being used for investments linked to civilian deaths and human rights violations on a massive scale. Barry Coates explained: 'When Kiwis go online to see Mindful Money's free disclosure of their investments, many are shocked to find they are invested in issues such as weapons. A typical reaction is 'I didn't sign up for this.' They can and should challenge their fund providers. Or, if they are not satisfied, they can use the Mindful Money website to find a fund that does not invest in weapons.' Managed Funds Show Similar Patterns The weapons investment surge isn't limited to KiwiSaver funds. The analysis reveals that managed fund investments in weapons grew to $509.2 million by March 2025. Firearms companies increased by 64%, while military weapons investments in managed funds grew by 24% over the previous year. This shows the trend toward increasing weapons investments spans across New Zealand's broader investment landscape. Barry Coates pointed out: 'Many Kiwis recognise that weapons are necessary for defence, but they don't want their savings supporting weapons companies that indiscriminately sell their weapons to whoever will pay. All too often weapons from major NATO suppliers end up being used in conflicts where human rights are violated.' Walmart Leads Firearms Investment Surge KiwiSaver investment in companies producing and selling firearms has more than doubled, with a 110% increase. This is despite heightened awareness amongst the New Zealand public about the dangers of weapons proliferation in the wake of the Christchurch Mosque shootings. The most dramatic individual company increase involves Walmart, where New Zealand KiwiSaver investment reached $115.8 million – representing a massive 144% increase over the year and 40% growth in just six months. While primarily a general merchandise retailer, Walmart sells shotguns, rifles, ammunition, and firearm components like scopes at stores across the United States. Walmart has made progress in the wake of widespread concern over mass shootings in the US. They have raised the minimum age for firearm purchases to 21, stopped selling handguns and certain rifles like the AR-15, and no longer offer ammunition for military-style weapons. However, they continue to sell other weapons alongside food, clothing and hardware items. Alternative Options Available Despite the concerning trends, the research identifies hope for values-based investors. Mindful Money has identified 36 weapons-free funds from 13 different KiwiSaver providers, offering alternatives for New Zealanders who want their retirement savings aligned with their ethical values. Barry Coates concluded: 'New Zealanders have options. When they use Mindful Money to see weapons in their KiwiSaver, they can also find a weapons-free option. Analysis shows that returns from ethical funds have been comparable or higher than conventional funds.' Take Action New Zealanders concerned about weapons investments can check their specific KiwiSaver fund using Mindful Money's free Fund Checker tool available at The tool provides detailed analysis of individual fund holdings, and the Fund Finder suggests alternatives for those seeking investments aligned with their values. New Zealanders should also raise their concerns with our government. New Zealand governments, including National, have been leaders internationally in calling for respect for human rights for Palestinians in the past and a two state approach. Our government needs to join the countries calling for stronger measures to stop the killings and start the process towards a long term just solution. Notes About Mindful Money Mindful Money is a New Zealand charity with a mission to make money a force for good. The organisation provides independent research, analysis, and tools to help New Zealanders align their investments with their values. Mindful Money's free and easy-to-use database provides transparency about where funds are invested, supported by public education and engagement with the finance sector. KiwiSaver and Managed funds data: Mindful Money sources portfolio data from the Companies Office Disclose Register, and then undertakes detailed research of indirect investment in external funds, to reveal a full 'look-through' picture of fund holdings. The holdings are matched with Mindful Money's global database of companies of concern – the high priority issues that annual surveysshow New Zealanders want to avoid in their investments. The analysis covers 407 KiwiSaver funds and 562 Managed investment funds. The draft results are shared with fund managers for their review prior to publication. Total KiwiSaver Weapons Investment Breakdown: Total weapons investments: $392.4 million (up 40.9% year-on-year, up 22.1% in just six months) Military weapons: $199.7 million (up 35% over past year, 18.9% increase in managed funds) Firearms companies: $156.1 million (more than doubled in past year with 110% increase) Controversial weapons: $21.1 million (up 2.9%) Nuclear weapons: $11.7 million (down 12.6%) List of Weapons companies supporting the conflict in Gaza and level of New Zealand investment Companies supplying weapons or components used by the Israeli military in Gaza NZ investment ($ million) at 31 March 2025 BAE Systems: mobile artillery system. There is evidence this system has been used to fire shells containing white phosphorus into Gaza. 2.7 Boeing: the largest supplier of weapons to Israel, particularly of missile guidance systems, as well as bombs and aircraft. 13.8 Elbit Systems: supplies weapons and surveillance systems, including drones. 1.9 General Dynamics: makes artillery ammunition, large bombs and warheads which may contain depleted uranium. 3.7 Honeywell: makes components for missiles and drones. 7.9 L3Harris Technologies: manufactures components that are integrated into multiple weapons systems. Also makes weapons with depleted uranium (no evidence these have been supplied to Israel). 2.5 Leonardo: makes guns for navy ships. In October 2023, these guns were used to fire into Gaza. 0.4 Lockheed Martin: the world's largest defence contractor. Makes the F-35 fighter jet and missiles which have been used in Gaza. 5.0 Northrup Gruman: provides missile delivery systems for helicopters and laser weapon delivery systems for fighter jets. 4.3 Oshkosh: makes trucks used by the Israel Defence Force. 0.9 Rheinmetall: supplies tank shells to Israel 9.6 Rolls-Royce Holdings plc: its German subsidiary, MTU, makes specialist engines for Israeli battle tanks. 8.0 RTX Corp: (formerly called Raytheon), makes missiles, sensors and communications kits. 9.3 Textron: supplies a range of aircraft to Israel 0.9 Woodward: makes components used in positioning systems. 1.1 TOTAL $71.9 million Caterpillar: Armoured D9 bulldozers produced by Caterpillar have been crucial for Israel's ground invasion of the Gaza Strip, accompanying combat troops and paving their way by clearing roads and demolishing buildings. 81.3 Amphenol: Amphenol's products are crucial components in US military and aerospace systems. Their Israeli subsidiary, Amphenol Bar-Tec, is a dominant supplier in the Israeli military connector market. 98.6 Other companies involved in the Gaza conflict $179.9 million Primary source for companies supplying the conflict in Gaza: American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker organisation, and the UK-based Action on Armed Violence (AOVC). The above listing shows companies supplying Israel's military. Hamas reportedly gets most of its weapons from Iran, transported through Egypt and smuggled into Gaza through tunnels. There appears to be no direct financing from New Zealand investors towards weapons used by Hamas.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Your money might be invested in Gaza weapons, investment platform says
Smoke billows from Israeli strikes in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip in May, 2024. Photo: AFP The amount of KiwiSaver money invested in weapons companies has increased 40.9 percent this year, a responsible investment platform says. Mindful Money founder Barry Coates said many New Zealanders might be unpleasantly surprised that their money was being invested in companies producing weapons that could be used in conflicts such as that in Gaza or the Ukraine. Mindful Money calculated that KiwiSaver investments in weapons companies are now worth $392.4 million. It said New Zealand investment in the production of weapons used in Gaza, through KiwiSaver and retail investment funds, totalled $71.9 m. Coates said the increase reflected a broader increase in activity in the defence industry around the world. "I think most of the increase is the chase for short-term profits - wars are good for business if you're a weapons company. "There's been an increase in investment in many of these companies that stand to benefit from sales to Gaza or via the US or into the Ukraine conflict." Koura founder Rupert Carlyon said the increase was probably because of weapons' companies strong performance. "They are strong performers with global conflicts and increased defence spending in Europe." He said while the dollar value of the investments was now much larger, funds' allocations might not have moved. "The increased size is a function of larger market capitalisations and larger KiwiSaver balances." The S&P Aerospace and Defense Select Industry index had increased 16.5 percent in the past year and 307 percent in the past decade. Coates said research had shown 80 percent of New Zealanders wanted to avoid investing in weapons companies but it continued. He said there had been a fall in investments in companies linked to social harm such as gambling or alcohol and tobacco. "But not enough and not so much in weapons particularly … it does look to us as though we're seeing the same thing happening in fossil fuels - that something happens in the world and investment funds see greater opportunity and they're increasing their investments … even though many of their clients may may be deeply worried about that." He said KiwiSaver investment in companies producing and selling firearms had also more than doubled. "There's a big increase in hand guns investments … maybe something to do with the Trump administration." The most dramatic individual company increase involved Walmart, where New Zealand KiwiSaver investment reached $115.8 million - representing a 144 percent increase over the year and 40 percent growth in just six months. Although it is best known as a general retailer, Mindful Money called it out because Walmart sells shotguns, rifles, ammunition, and firearm components. Coates said there were 36 weapons-free funds at 13 different providers. He said many people would get a "huge surprise" if they found their KiwiSaver investment was exposed to the Gaza conflict. "I think it's kind of one of the things that people can abstract a bit about weapons and so on but when they've seen the effects on people in Gaza and the complete levelling of the country, then you know, suddenly I think it comes home to them, that they don't want their funds to be invested in that." Earlier in the year, activists put pressure on ASB to divest its KiwiSaver investments from Motorola, which they said was supplying the Israeli military with smart phones and radios. But Carlyon said there should be a conversation about whether it was appropriate for weapons to remain in exclusion categories, "given the volatile world we are living in and the need for most countries to be increasing defence spending". Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
06-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Winners At The Mindful Money Annual Ethical & Impact Investment Awards 2025
Press Release – Mindful Money Ethical and Impact Investment Awards celebrate outstanding investors and individuals who have shown strong commitment and expertise in advancing sustainability and impact. Mindful Money is announcing the winners of the fifth annual Ethical and Impact Investment Awards 2025. These awards celebrate outstanding investors and individuals who have shown strong commitment and expertise in advancing sustainability and impact. These awards have become the standard for excellence in ethical and impact investing. Mindful Money's Founder and Co-CEO, Barry Coates commented: ' These awards celebrate excellence and a strong commitment to ethical and impact investing. The challenges of our time require re-orienting the flow of capital away from harm towards environmental regeneration, social equity and climate action. Our annual survey of the public shows that consumers are on board. These awards highlight those in the investment community that are leading the transition.' Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider (sponsored by Public Trust) KiwiSaver funds have now grown to over $120 billion. The judges in this category focused on the criteria of avoiding harm, engaging to influence companies, investing for positive outcomes and walking the talk in terms of ethical practices. Winner: Pathfinder Asset Management Highly Commended: Generate KiwiSaver Best New Ethical or Impact Fund This category is for the fund launched over the past year that best embodies good ethical or impact practices. The judges were looking for innovation, delivering social and environmental benefits and providing New Zealand investors with new types of investment options. Winner: Community Housing Funding Agency Highly Commended: Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund Best Net Zero and Climate Action Investor (sponsored by Morningstar Sustainalytics) This category covers both the mainstream investment that drives financed emissions towards net zero and dedicated funds investing in climate solutions. This year, the judges focused on funds that are innovating and mobilising capital to reduce and avoid emissions. Winner: Motion Capital Highly Commended: Climate Venture Capital Fund series Best Ethical Overseas Fund This category is open to the overseas funds that are actively marketed in New Zealand, generally available to investors through financial advisers and institutional investors. These funds add scale and diversity to investors, demonstrating high standards of sustainable investing. Winner: Australian Ethical Australian Shares Fund Highly Commended: Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders Fund Best Ethical Financial Adviser Financial advisers have an important role in providing informed, independent and appropriate advice on ethical and impact investment. They provide New Zealand investors with financial advice that reflects their values and financial aspirations, and those of their family. Joint winner: Carey Church, Moneyworks Joint winner: Dr. Rodger Spiller, Money Matters Highly Commended: Mark Holtom, Ethical Investing NZ Best Media Reporting on Ethical Investment This category is for the best journalism about ethical or impact investment. The judges were looking for high standards of journalism, attuned to the interests of their audiences. The judges were looking for evidence of engagement, education and influence. Winner: Steven Moe, Seeds Podcast Joint Highly Commended: Susan Edmunds, RNZ Joint Highly Commended: Joanna Mathers, Informed Media Best Impact Investor This category is for investment funds that contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes. The judges were looking for fund providers that demonstrate a strong impact purpose, a rigorous framework for measurement, examples of high impact investments and contributions by the investor to positive outcomes. Winner: Community Housing Funding Agency Highly Commended: Soul Capital Best Ethical Investor This category includes over $80 billion of funds under management in 548 retail managed funds, as well as private capital, venture capital and asset owner investments. Amongst a wide range of different funds, the judges were looking for providers that demonstrate high ethical standards and outcomes. Winner: Pathfinder Asset Management Highly Commended: Harbour Asset Management David Callanan, Public Trust Corporate Trustee Services GM, says he's proud the organisation is returning as principal sponsor of the main awards for the second year in a row, plus sponsor of the Ethical KiwiSaver Provider award. As the supervisor for 13 KiwiSaver schemes, Public Trust plays a significant role in investment fund oversight. Callanan says: 'The real value in the Mindful Money Awards is in informing investors – because as we all know, information is power. The Awards celebrate courage, leadership, and the kind of action that turns information into impact. The Mindful Money Awards do a fantastic job for raising awareness about the importance of ethical investing and celebrating excellence in the industry. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists who continue to raise the bar every year.' Jono Broome, Morningstar Sustainalytics commented that ' The Aotearoa sustainable fund market has continued to stand out from other markets around the world with its astonishing resilience and consistency. Net positive inflows recorded in every quarter of the past three years, including an impressive 2024. Morningstar Sustainalytics is pleased to support Mindful Money in the annual fund awards to acknowledge the best of the New Zealand's ethical funds in 2025.' Kate Vennell, co-CEO of Mindful Money concluded: 'Well done to our winners, you are helping more Kiwis to invest to create a better world alongside good financial outcomes. Once again the standard of entries was high. We're delighted that judges selected joint winners in some categories. Those who weren't successful should be encouraged by the feedback – all entries had elements of best practice so please try again next year '. Notes: Prior to the awards ceremony, Mindful Money hosted a conference focused on the pathways and innovative approaches needed to direct investment toward solutions that address climate and biodiversity challenges. The conference took place on Thursday 5th June at the Maritime Room, Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD. the line-up included: Keynote Speaker: Rob Campbell, one of New Zealand's most respected professional directors with over 40 years' experience across capital markets and business leadership. Panel Discussions: The conference will feature two insightful panel discussions: 'Climate Transition: Taking Investment Action on Climate Change': Financing is a barrier to progress on decarbonisation and renewable energy. The panel discussed ways to accelerate the climate transition by scaling up finance flows and reducing finance costs. 'Nature Transition: Shifting Investment From Harming Nature to Regeneration': There is growing interest in nature amongst the investment sector. Action by investors is crucial to halt the loss of habitats and species and to build regeneration on a wider scale. The panel discussed how natural capital can be recognised and supported as a pathway towards healthy, productive and resilient nature. Facilitated roundtables with the audience identified key initiatives to move forward on the climate transition and nature restoration. Sponsors: Sponsors for the conference were: lead sponsor Morningstar Sustainalytics; silver sponsors Stewart Investors and New Zealand Super Fund; sponsorship contributions from Betashares, Craigs Investment Partners, Generate KiwiSaver and Trust Investments Management; and community support from Foundation North and Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation. Mindful Money has secured generous support for the awards ceremony from: lead sponsors Public Trust and Morningstar Sustainalytics; silver sponsor Stewart Investors; sponsorship contributions from Generate KiwiSaver, Craigs Investment Partners, and Trust Investments Management; and community support from Foundation North and Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation.
Scoop
06-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Winners At The Mindful Money Annual Ethical & Impact Investment Awards 2025
Press Release – Mindful Money Ethical and Impact Investment Awards celebrate outstanding investors and individuals who have shown strong commitment and expertise in advancing sustainability and impact. Mindful Money is announcing the winners of the fifth annual Ethical and Impact Investment Awards 2025. These awards celebrate outstanding investors and individuals who have shown strong commitment and expertise in advancing sustainability and impact. These awards have become the standard for excellence in ethical and impact investing. Mindful Money's Founder and Co-CEO, Barry Coates commented: ' These awards celebrate excellence and a strong commitment to ethical and impact investing. The challenges of our time require re-orienting the flow of capital away from harm towards environmental regeneration, social equity and climate action. Our annual survey of the public shows that consumers are on board. These awards highlight those in the investment community that are leading the transition.' Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider (sponsored by Public Trust) KiwiSaver funds have now grown to over $120 billion. The judges in this category focused on the criteria of avoiding harm, engaging to influence companies, investing for positive outcomes and walking the talk in terms of ethical practices. Winner: Pathfinder Asset Management Highly Commended: Generate KiwiSaver Best New Ethical or Impact Fund This category is for the fund launched over the past year that best embodies good ethical or impact practices. The judges were looking for innovation, delivering social and environmental benefits and providing New Zealand investors with new types of investment options. Winner: Community Housing Funding Agency Highly Commended: Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund Best Net Zero and Climate Action Investor (sponsored by Morningstar Sustainalytics) This category covers both the mainstream investment that drives financed emissions towards net zero and dedicated funds investing in climate solutions. This year, the judges focused on funds that are innovating and mobilising capital to reduce and avoid emissions. Winner: Motion Capital Highly Commended: Climate Venture Capital Fund series Best Ethical Overseas Fund This category is open to the overseas funds that are actively marketed in New Zealand, generally available to investors through financial advisers and institutional investors. These funds add scale and diversity to investors, demonstrating high standards of sustainable investing. Winner: Australian Ethical Australian Shares Fund Highly Commended: Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders Fund Best Ethical Financial Adviser Financial advisers have an important role in providing informed, independent and appropriate advice on ethical and impact investment. They provide New Zealand investors with financial advice that reflects their values and financial aspirations, and those of their family. Joint winner: Carey Church, Moneyworks Joint winner: Dr. Rodger Spiller, Money Matters Highly Commended: Mark Holtom, Ethical Investing NZ Best Media Reporting on Ethical Investment This category is for the best journalism about ethical or impact investment. The judges were looking for high standards of journalism, attuned to the interests of their audiences. The judges were looking for evidence of engagement, education and influence. Winner: Steven Moe, Seeds Podcast Joint Highly Commended: Susan Edmunds, RNZ Joint Highly Commended: Joanna Mathers, Informed Media Best Impact Investor This category is for investment funds that contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes. The judges were looking for fund providers that demonstrate a strong impact purpose, a rigorous framework for measurement, examples of high impact investments and contributions by the investor to positive outcomes. Winner: Community Housing Funding Agency Highly Commended: Soul Capital Best Ethical Investor This category includes over $80 billion of funds under management in 548 retail managed funds, as well as private capital, venture capital and asset owner investments. Amongst a wide range of different funds, the judges were looking for providers that demonstrate high ethical standards and outcomes. Winner: Pathfinder Asset Management Highly Commended: Harbour Asset Management David Callanan, Public Trust Corporate Trustee Services GM, says he's proud the organisation is returning as principal sponsor of the main awards for the second year in a row, plus sponsor of the Ethical KiwiSaver Provider award. As the supervisor for 13 KiwiSaver schemes, Public Trust plays a significant role in investment fund oversight. Callanan says: 'The real value in the Mindful Money Awards is in informing investors – because as we all know, information is power. The Awards celebrate courage, leadership, and the kind of action that turns information into impact. The Mindful Money Awards do a fantastic job for raising awareness about the importance of ethical investing and celebrating excellence in the industry. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists who continue to raise the bar every year.' Jono Broome, Morningstar Sustainalytics commented that ' The Aotearoa sustainable fund market has continued to stand out from other markets around the world with its astonishing resilience and consistency. Net positive inflows recorded in every quarter of the past three years, including an impressive 2024. Morningstar Sustainalytics is pleased to support Mindful Money in the annual fund awards to acknowledge the best of the New Zealand's ethical funds in 2025.' Kate Vennell, co-CEO of Mindful Money concluded: 'Well done to our winners, you are helping more Kiwis to invest to create a better world alongside good financial outcomes. Once again the standard of entries was high. We're delighted that judges selected joint winners in some categories. Those who weren't successful should be encouraged by the feedback – all entries had elements of best practice so please try again next year '. Notes: Prior to the awards ceremony, Mindful Money hosted a conference focused on the pathways and innovative approaches needed to direct investment toward solutions that address climate and biodiversity challenges. The conference took place on Thursday 5th June at the Maritime Room, Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD. the line-up included: Keynote Speaker: Rob Campbell, one of New Zealand's most respected professional directors with over 40 years' experience across capital markets and business leadership. Panel Discussions: The conference will feature two insightful panel discussions: 'Climate Transition: Taking Investment Action on Climate Change': Financing is a barrier to progress on decarbonisation and renewable energy. The panel discussed ways to accelerate the climate transition by scaling up finance flows and reducing finance costs. 'Nature Transition: Shifting Investment From Harming Nature to Regeneration': There is growing interest in nature amongst the investment sector. Action by investors is crucial to halt the loss of habitats and species and to build regeneration on a wider scale. The panel discussed how natural capital can be recognised and supported as a pathway towards healthy, productive and resilient nature. Facilitated roundtables with the audience identified key initiatives to move forward on the climate transition and nature restoration. Sponsors: Sponsors for the conference were: lead sponsor Morningstar Sustainalytics; silver sponsors Stewart Investors and New Zealand Super Fund; sponsorship contributions from Betashares, Craigs Investment Partners, Generate KiwiSaver and Trust Investments Management; and community support from Foundation North and Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation. Mindful Money has secured generous support for the awards ceremony from: lead sponsors Public Trust and Morningstar Sustainalytics; silver sponsor Stewart Investors; sponsorship contributions from Generate KiwiSaver, Craigs Investment Partners, and Trust Investments Management; and community support from Foundation North and Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation.
