Advertise on podcast: Making Money a Force for Good

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 that sets them apart in the investment landscape. As our guest Brian will share the fundamental values that drive every investment decision, revealing how Always-Ethical have built a fund that never compromises on ethical standards. We'll also hear some of his personal story - the journey and experiences that led to founding a fund where "always ethical" isn't just a tagline, but a lived commitment. Whether you're a seasoned investor questioning traditional approaches, or someone just beginning to explore how your money can reflect your values, this conversation will provide practical insights into what truly ethical investing looks like in practice. Discover how Always-Ethical is proving that you don't have to choose between strong returns and strong principles.   Key Topics: The Always-Ethical mandate and what it means in practice Investment screening processes and decision-making frameworks Transparency standards Personal journey and motivation behind ethical investing Practical advice for values-based investors PDS Disclaimer Always-Ethical Limited is the issuer of AE KiwiSaver Plan. Please refer to the AE KiwiSaver Plan Product Disclosure Statement on our website https://always-ethical.com. Ethical Mandate Disclaimer In accordance with our strict ethical mandate  https://always-ethical.com/our-strict.... The annual audit report on our ethical mandate is conducted by William Buck. Refer to the Mindful Money website https://mindfulmoney.nz/kiwisaver/che... to verify our ethical standards. The fund itself does not invest in any prohibited activities. The underlying equity investments may, provided the prohibited investment is under 5% of the businesses activity and appropriately purified by donating to the charity for the poor. Ethical Disclaimer The ESG (environment, social, governance) risk weighted average of the fund is calculated at 16.96 as at 31st March 2025. This registers as LOW on the ESG risk scale. Performance Disclaimer Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future performance and return periods may differ. Returns maybe negative or positive. Returns are after fees and before taxes.  Financial Advice Disclaimer  This information is not financial advice and therefore should not be relied upon as financial advice.

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, NZGIF Silver 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, NZGIF Silver 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 🎙️Sir. Jonathon Porritt, Co-Founder of Forum for the Future and writer of the best-selling book Hope in Hell  🎙️Dr. Sebastian Gehricke, Senior Lecturer in Finance at the Otago Business School 🎙️Rohan McMahon, from the Climate Venture Capital Fund  🎙️ Leah Keys, Investment Analyst at Mercer  Bring your questions! A huge thanks to our sponsors: Gold Sponsors: Alphinity, Medical Assurance Society, Mercer, NZGIF Silver Sponsors: Chapman Trip, Booster, Harbour, Trustees Executors  Appearance on Money for Good is not an endorsement by Mindful Money or the views of the presenters, guests, or the entities they represent. Their views are their own. Money for Good is not financial advice. We recommend talking to a licensed financial adviser. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. Content is current at the time.  Money for Good is for a New Zealand audience.

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)