Mindful Money is an independent charity that aims to make money a force for good. Since our establishment in 2019, Mindful Money has been providing transparency for Kiwis on holdings in their KiwiSaver and other managed fund investments, support for fund managers to deepen their involvement in ethical investment, and analysis for asset owners and advisers.
We are specialists in ethical and impact investments and are passionate about promoting finance to support the climate transition, human rights and a sustainable planet.
We know from our annual surveys that many New Zealanders want to invest ethically but don't have the objective information and research to compare the options. We want to empower all New Zealanders to be responsible for how they invest their savings.
We make it quick and easy for you to find the investment that’s right for you, we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to. The Mindful Money website is free for all users.
On this website, you will find
Mindful Money is part of a registered charity, Sustainable Initiatives Aotearoa #51919. We are governed by a Board of Trustees and are operated by a small team of passionate experts.
Read more about the people behind Mindful Money here.
Mindful Money is not a financial provider and we do not provide personalised advice. We provide transparency about what is inside your funds from an ethical values perspective. You can consider this alongside other factors relating to your situation, goals and investment preferences. The Sorted website, provided by the Retirement Commission, has resources and tools to help you consider the type of fund that might be suitable for you. Before you invest in a fund you should review the key documents for the fund including the product disclosure statement (PDS) and its recent fund factsheet.
Through our annual consumer survey, we research the issues of concern to Kiwi investors. We determine the companies of concern in each of these key issues and twice a year analyse KiwiSaver and investment fund portfolios to match fund investments to the identified "companies of concern" and "positive outcome companies". New Zealand is unique in its ability to provide this level of investment detail, thanks to our disclosure laws. These companies of concern can be viewed for all KiwiSaver and retail investment funds using the Fund Checker on our website.
Mindful Money defines a high standard for ethical investment and requires verification of responsible investment claims by fund providers. The funds that meet the standards and agree to be a part of the Mindful Money platform are designated as Mindful Funds.
Mindful Money’s website helps users to "find a fund that fits" using the Fund Finder. The Fund Finder provides investors with a list of the Mindful Funds that are the best fit for their risk preference, ordered by how well the funds match the user’s selection of issues of concern and positive outcome themes.
Our role is to introduce you to the KiwiSaver or investment fund that suits you best. We don’t own or manage the funds, and we don’t directly invest your money. That’s up to you and the investment providers who are profiled on this platform.
To understand our process in more detail review our Methodology section.
We are a small charity making a big difference. Since we started in 2019, 472,204 funds have been checked using our Fund Checker and the Fund Finder has been used 163,333 times (numbers correct to November 2023).
Our research is referenced extensively in the media. If you are a journalist or media representative wanting to get in touch with us, please email info@mindfulmoney.nz.
Read more about these and other initiatives undertaken by Mindful Money and the outcomes and impacts resulting from our efforts in our latest impact report.
Most of Mindful Money’s funding is contributed through sponsorship of events, individual donations, charitable grants, and the provision of services to financial advisors and institutional investors. Mindful Money receives a contribution towards the costs of undertaking research, running the website and promoting responsible investment from Mindful Fund providers, generally in the form of a monthly contribution. This funding currently provides a small proportion of the ongoing costs.
A few generous folks help us by giving charitable grants and donations. Thank you to individual donors and institutional supporters - we are very grateful for your support.
Donate
As a small charity, we are proud to be making a big difference. Changing the flows of money is a powerful way to take action on climate change and sustainability.
But we can’t do it without your help. Please consider making a donation. Together, we can redirect funds away from harmful industries and towards activities that have positive outcomes.
Share the message
As with many charities we don’t have a huge advertising budget, so we rely on your actions to tell others. When you share, people will be grateful. Most New Zealanders didn’t ask questions about the corporations they supported when they signed up for their KiwiSaver account. They'll be shocked to find out where their money is invested and keen to switch to an ethical investment.
Please tell your friends, family and work colleagues that they can make a positive difference through their KiwiSaver and/or other investments. Invite us to talk about Mindful Money at a workplace seminar or an event. Sign up to join our campaign and receive updates about events, online seminars, campaigns and news.
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We are building a movement of all those who have shared interests in making money work for sustainability (in its broad definition).
We are honoured to work with inspiring organisations in the financial community, environmental & development NGOs, animal welfare groups, iwi, women’s organisations, student groups, community organisations, faith groups and social justice groups:
350 Aotearoa, Auckland Climate Festival, Centre for Sustainable Finance - Toitū Tahua, Climate Action Conference, Climate Club, Consumer NZ, Cooking the Books, The Curve, Ethically Kate, Fair & Good, Fairtrade NZ, Festival for the Future, Forest and Bird, Girls that Invest, Impact Investing NZ, Informed Investor, Money Hub, NZAVS, NZ Climate Action Network, Steven Moe & The Seeds Podcast Organic NZ, Responsible Investment Association of Aotearoa (RIAA), Sharesies, Sorted, Sustainable Business Network, Trade Aid, Vegan Society, Whakatupu Foundation, and more.
If you are interested in collaborating with us, please get in touch.
If you have any questions, want to give us feedback, or want to give us some help, please let us know. The best way is by email at info@mindfulmoney.nz or by mail at PO Box 513, Oneroa, Auckland 1840.
