Latest news with #EthicalandImpactInvestmentAwards
Scoop
3 days ago
- 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
3 days ago
- 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
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Mindful Money Announces Finalists For 5th Annual Ethical & Impact Investment Awards
Press Release – Mindful Money Mindful Money is announcing the finalists for the fifth annual Ethical and Impact Investment Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding investors and individuals who have shown strong commitment and expertise in advancing sustainability and impact through their investment approaches. These awards have become the standard for excellence in ethical and impact investing. The finalists across eight categories were selected from a competitive entry pool by a panel of 23 independent and expert judges. They generously donate their time and expertise to provide skilled and independent judging for the awards. They are bound by strict rules on confidentiality and conflict of interest. Mindful Money's Founder and Co-CEO, Barry Coates commented: 'The judges play a vital role in upholding the credibility and objectivity of these awards. We are grateful for the time and expertise they have dedicated to selecting the finalists. We now look forward to celebrating the winners in each category at the awards ceremony on 5th June in Auckland'. :The finance sector stands at a pivotal crossroads where investment decisions today will shape both our climate future and the health of our natural world, issues that are under discussion in the conference that precedes the awards. Urgent change is needed to transition to net zero, build resilience and halt the destruction of New Zealand's biodiversity.' The Mindful Money Awards celebrate the role that ethical and impact investing are playing in making money a force for good. They reflect the movement to re-orient investment finance towards sustainability and well-being, switching investment capital from financing harm towards solutions. Mindful Money's Co-CEO, Kate Vennell explained: 'Our 2024 annual survey has shown that demand for ethical investment from Kiwis remains as strong as ever. Mindful Money awards go deeply into policies and practices of providers in each of the eight categories to identify those who consistently deliver best in class ethical investment outcomes.' Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider (sponsored by Public Trust) This is a crucial category, with a total of over $110 billion invested by 399 KiwiSaver funds. The judges were looking for the fund provider embodying high standards across the main strategies of avoiding harm, engaging with companies to improve their performance, investing for positive impact and embodying an ethical approach. The finalists in the awards (in alphabetical order) are: Generate KiwiSaver Pathfinder Asset Management 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. The finalists are: Harbour Asset Management Pathfinder Asset Management TAHITO Trust Investments Management 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. The finalists are: Community Housing Funding Agency Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund Betashares NZ Sustainability Leaders Fund Best Impact Investor Surveys show that the New Zealand public are not only looking to avoid harm in their investments but growing numbers of investors are also seeking 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. The finalists are: Community Housing Funding Agency Purpose Capital Soul Capital 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. were pleased to recognise the standout performance of the following two finalists: Climate Venture Capital Fund series Motion Capital 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. The finalists are: Australian Ethical Australian Shares Fund Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders Fund Stewart Investors Worldwide Leaders Sustainability 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. The judges were pleased to see the finalists providing strong capability for research into ethical options and an ability to match their clients with suitable products. The finalists are: Carey Church, Moneyworks Mark Holtom, Ethical Investing NZ Dr. Rodger Spiller, Money Matters Best Media Reporting on Ethical Investment The judges were looking for high standards of journalism on ethical and impact investing, attuned to the interests of their audiences. One of the crucial criteria for the judges was the impact that the reporting has in terms of engagement, education and influence. These metrics are often difficult for journalists to measure, but provide an important measure of the benefits that are associated with the media reporting. Finalists are: Susan Edmunds, RNZ Joanna Mathers, Informed Media Steven Moe, Seeds Podcast 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. 'The Mindful Money Awards do a fantastic job for raising awareness about the importance of ethical investing and celebrating excellence in the industry,' Callanan says. As the supervisor for 13 KiwiSaver schemes, Public Trust plays a significant role in investment fund oversight. Public Trust also returns as sponsor of the Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider award. 'Ethical and responsible investing is a growing focus for many KiwiSaver investors and there continues to be great innovation in New Zealand to meet demand. As a supervisor, Public Trust is proud to support and guide fund managers working in this space.' Jono Broome, Morningstar Sustainalytics commented that 'Despite global headwinds, Aotearoa continues to be a bulwark of responsible investing, attracting consistent net-positive inflows into these funds. Morningstar Sustainalytics is pleased to support Mindful Money in acknowledging leaders in this industry in 2025.' Barry Coates concluded: 'These are all worthy finalists and we look forward to revealing the winners at the awards celebration on 5th June. We are deeply grateful to all of those who submitted entries, including those who have not been shortlisted as finalists. The standard of entries was high and the judges had real difficulty in being able to shortlist a small number of finalists in each category. There were a number of promising entries that are early in their development and we encourage them, and others, to submit entries next year.'
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Mindful Money Announces Finalists For 5th Annual Ethical & Impact Investment Awards
Press Release – Mindful Money The finalists across 8 categories were selected from a competitive entry pool by a panel of 23 independent and expert judges. They generously donate their time & expertise to provide skilled & independent judging for the awards. Mindful Money is announcing the finalists for the fifth annual Ethical and Impact Investment Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding investors and individuals who have shown strong commitment and expertise in advancing sustainability and impact through their investment approaches. These awards have become the standard for excellence in ethical and impact investing. The finalists across eight categories were selected from a competitive entry pool by a panel of 23 independent and expert judges. They generously donate their time and expertise to provide skilled and independent judging for the awards. They are bound by strict rules on confidentiality and conflict of interest. Mindful Money's Founder and Co-CEO, Barry Coates commented: 'The judges play a vital role in upholding the credibility and objectivity of these awards. We are grateful for the time and expertise they have dedicated to selecting the finalists. We now look forward to celebrating the winners in each category at the awards ceremony on 5th June in Auckland'. :The finance sector stands at a pivotal crossroads where investment decisions today will shape both our climate future and the health of our natural world, issues that are under discussion in the conference that precedes the awards. Urgent change is needed to transition to net zero, build resilience and halt the destruction of New Zealand's biodiversity.' The Mindful Money Awards celebrate the role that ethical and impact investing are playing in making money a force for good. They reflect the movement to re-orient investment finance towards sustainability and well-being, switching investment capital from financing harm towards solutions. Mindful Money's Co-CEO, Kate Vennell explained: 'Our 2024 annual survey has shown that demand for ethical investment from Kiwis remains as strong as ever. Mindful Money awards go deeply into policies and practices of providers in each of the eight categories to identify those who consistently deliver best in class ethical investment outcomes.' Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider (sponsored by Public Trust) This is a crucial category, with a total of over $110 billion invested by 399 KiwiSaver funds. The judges were looking for the fund provider embodying high standards across the main strategies of avoiding harm, engaging with companies to improve their performance, investing for positive impact and embodying an ethical approach. The finalists in the awards (in alphabetical order) are: Generate KiwiSaver Pathfinder Asset Management 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. The finalists are: Harbour Asset Management Pathfinder Asset Management TAHITO Trust Investments Management 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. The finalists are: Community Housing Funding Agency Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund Betashares NZ Sustainability Leaders Fund Best Impact Investor Surveys show that the New Zealand public are not only looking to avoid harm in their investments but growing numbers of investors are also seeking 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. The finalists are: Community Housing Funding Agency Purpose Capital Soul Capital 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. were pleased to recognise the standout performance of the following two finalists: Climate Venture Capital Fund series Motion Capital 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. The finalists are: Australian Ethical Australian Shares Fund Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders Fund Stewart Investors Worldwide Leaders Sustainability 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. The judges were pleased to see the finalists providing strong capability for research into ethical options and an ability to match their clients with suitable products. The finalists are: Carey Church, Moneyworks Mark Holtom, Ethical Investing NZ Dr. Rodger Spiller, Money Matters Best Media Reporting on Ethical Investment The judges were looking for high standards of journalism on ethical and impact investing, attuned to the interests of their audiences. One of the crucial criteria for the judges was the impact that the reporting has in terms of engagement, education and influence. These metrics are often difficult for journalists to measure, but provide an important measure of the benefits that are associated with the media reporting. Finalists are: Susan Edmunds, RNZ Joanna Mathers, Informed Media Steven Moe, Seeds Podcast 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. 'The Mindful Money Awards do a fantastic job for raising awareness about the importance of ethical investing and celebrating excellence in the industry,' Callanan says. As the supervisor for 13 KiwiSaver schemes, Public Trust plays a significant role in investment fund oversight. Public Trust also returns as sponsor of the Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider award. 'Ethical and responsible investing is a growing focus for many KiwiSaver investors and there continues to be great innovation in New Zealand to meet demand. As a supervisor, Public Trust is proud to support and guide fund managers working in this space.' Jono Broome, Morningstar Sustainalytics commented that 'Despite global headwinds, Aotearoa continues to be a bulwark of responsible investing, attracting consistent net-positive inflows into these funds. Morningstar Sustainalytics is pleased to support Mindful Money in acknowledging leaders in this industry in 2025.' Barry Coates concluded: 'These are all worthy finalists and we look forward to revealing the winners at the awards celebration on 5th June. We are deeply grateful to all of those who submitted entries, including those who have not been shortlisted as finalists. The standard of entries was high and the judges had real difficulty in being able to shortlist a small number of finalists in each category. There were a number of promising entries that are early in their development and we encourage them, and others, to submit entries next year.'
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Mindful Money Announces Finalists For 5th Annual Ethical & Impact Investment Awards
Mindful Money is announcing the finalists for the fifth annual Ethical and Impact Investment Awards. These awards celebrate outstanding investors and individuals who have shown strong commitment and expertise in advancing sustainability and impact through their investment approaches. These awards have become the standard for excellence in ethical and impact investing. The finalists across eight categories were selected from a competitive entry pool by a panel of 23 independent and expert judges. They generously donate their time and expertise to provide skilled and independent judging for the awards. They are bound by strict rules on confidentiality and conflict of interest. Mindful Money's Founder and Co-CEO, Barry Coates commented: 'The judges play a vital role in upholding the credibility and objectivity of these awards. We are grateful for the time and expertise they have dedicated to selecting the finalists. We now look forward to celebrating the winners in each category at the awards ceremony on 5th June in Auckland'. :The finance sector stands at a pivotal crossroads where investment decisions today will shape both our climate future and the health of our natural world, issues that are under discussion in the conference that precedes the awards. Urgent change is needed to transition to net zero, build resilience and halt the destruction of New Zealand's biodiversity.' The Mindful Money Awards celebrate the role that ethical and impact investing are playing in making money a force for good. They reflect the movement to re-orient investment finance towards sustainability and well-being, switching investment capital from financing harm towards solutions. Mindful Money's Co-CEO, Kate Vennell explained: 'Our 2024 annual survey has shown that demand for ethical investment from Kiwis remains as strong as ever. Mindful Money awards go deeply into policies and practices of providers in each of the eight categories to identify those who consistently deliver best in class ethical investment outcomes.' Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider (sponsored by Public Trust) This is a crucial category, with a total of over $110 billion invested by 399 KiwiSaver funds. The judges were looking for the fund provider embodying high standards across the main strategies of avoiding harm, engaging with companies to improve their performance, investing for positive impact and embodying an ethical approach. The finalists in the awards (in alphabetical order) are: Generate KiwiSaver Pathfinder Asset Management 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. The finalists are: Harbour Asset Management Pathfinder Asset Management TAHITO Trust Investments Management 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. The finalists are: Community Housing Funding Agency Bay of Plenty Housing Equity Fund Betashares NZ Sustainability Leaders Fund Best Impact Investor Surveys show that the New Zealand public are not only looking to avoid harm in their investments but growing numbers of investors are also seeking 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. The finalists are: Community Housing Funding Agency Purpose Capital Soul Capital 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. were pleased to recognise the standout performance of the following two finalists: Climate Venture Capital Fund series Motion Capital 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. The finalists are: Australian Ethical Australian Shares Fund Betashares Global Sustainability Leaders Fund Stewart Investors Worldwide Leaders Sustainability 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. The judges were pleased to see the finalists providing strong capability for research into ethical options and an ability to match their clients with suitable products. The finalists are: Carey Church, Moneyworks Mark Holtham, Ethical Investing NZ Dr. Rodger Spiller, Money Matters Best Media Reporting on Ethical Investment The judges were looking for high standards of journalism on ethical and impact investing, attuned to the interests of their audiences. One of the crucial criteria for the judges was the impact that the reporting has in terms of engagement, education and influence. These metrics are often difficult for journalists to measure, but provide an important measure of the benefits that are associated with the media reporting. Finalists are: Susan Edmunds, RNZ Joanna Mathers, Informed Media Steven Moe, Seeds Podcast 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. 'The Mindful Money Awards do a fantastic job for raising awareness about the importance of ethical investing and celebrating excellence in the industry,' Callanan says. As the supervisor for 13 KiwiSaver schemes, Public Trust plays a significant role in investment fund oversight. Public Trust also returns as sponsor of the Best Ethical KiwiSaver Provider award. 'Ethical and responsible investing is a growing focus for many KiwiSaver investors and there continues to be great innovation in New Zealand to meet demand. As a supervisor, Public Trust is proud to support and guide fund managers working in this space.' Jono Broome, Morningstar Sustainalytics commented that 'Despite global headwinds, Aotearoa continues to be a bulwark of responsible investing, attracting consistent net-positive inflows into these funds. Morningstar Sustainalytics is pleased to support Mindful Money in acknowledging leaders in this industry in 2025.' Barry Coates concluded: 'These are all worthy finalists and we look forward to revealing the winners at the awards celebration on 5th June. We are deeply grateful to all of those who submitted entries, including those who have not been shortlisted as finalists. The standard of entries was high and the judges had real difficulty in being able to shortlist a small number of finalists in each category. There were a number of promising entries that are early in their development and we encourage them, and others, to submit entries next year.'
